Part 6 (1/2)

THE STREET BEFORE LYSANDER'S HOUSE: NIGHT

Enter FLORUS and LELIUS at opposite sides, not seeing each other.

LELIUS [aside]. Scarcely has the darksome night O'er the brow of heaven extended*

Its black veil, when I come hither To adore this sacred threshold; For although at Cyprian's prayer, I my sharp sword have suspended, I have not my love, for love Cannot be suspended ever.

[footnote] *Asonante in e-e, to the end of the Act.

FLORUS [aside]. Here the dawn will find me waiting:-- Here, because 'tis force compels me To go hence, for I, elsewhere, Am away from my true centre.

Would to love the day had come, And with it the dear, expected Answer Cyprian may bring me, Risking all upon that venture.

LELIUS [aside]. I have surely in that window Heard a noise.

FLORUS [aside]. Some sound descends here From that balcony.

SCENE XII.

The Demon appears at a window in the house of LYSANDER.

LELIUS [aside]. A figure Issues from it, whose dim presence I distinguish.

FLORUS [aside]. Through the darkness I can there perceive some person.

DEMON [aside]. For the many persecutions O'er Justina's head impending, Her pure honour to defame Thus I make a bold commencement.

[He descends by a ladder.

LELIUS [aside]. But, O woe! what's this I witness!--

FLORUS [aside]. What do I see! Oh, wretched! wretched!--

LELIUS [aside]. From the balcony to the ground The dark figure has descended.

FLORUS [aside]. From her house a man comes forth!-- Jealousy kill me not, preserve me, 'Till I discover who he is.

LELIUS [aside]. I will try to intercept him And find out at once who thus Tastes the bliss I've lost for ever.

[They advance with drawn swords to recognise the person who has descended.

DEMON [aside]. Not alone Justina's fame Do I by this act discredit, But dissensions, perhaps murders, Thus provoke. Ope, earth's dark centre, And receive me, leaving here This confusion [He disappears between FLORUS and LELIUS, who meet together.

SCENE XIII.