Part 17 (1/2)

SCENE III.

CLARIN and The Demon.

CLARIN. Ungrateful fair, who still my heart doth hold, Not burning Libya sure, but Livia cold, The time is come to show Whether in love you have been true or no, Whether, since I within this cave was placed, Not chased by me you have yourself been chaste; For I have studied here At second hand some magic for a year, Just to find out (alack! I can't but wince) Whether with Moscon you have wronged me since:-- Ye watery skies (some people call them pure) List to my conjurations I conjure, Mountains....

DEMON. How, Clarin?

CLARIN. Oh! my master wise!

By the concomitance of my hands and eyes, I've learned some magic, and would know by it If Livia, that ungrateful little chit, Has played me false since I have been away, Embracing that rogue Moscon on my day.

DEMON. Have done with these buffooneries: leave me, go.

And 'mid these intricate rocks whose paths you know, a.s.sist your master, who will let you see (If you would witness such a prodigy) The end of all his woe.

I wish to be alone.

CLARIN. And I not so.

I now perceive Why to use magic I have not your leave, The fault was mine, neglecting to attest My bond, and sign it with the blood of my breast.-- [He takes out a soiled pocket-handkerchief.

Upon this linen handkerchief (None cleaner he can have who cries for grief) I'll sign it now, the method I propose Is but to give myself a box on the nose, For there is little harm Whether the blood is drawn from nose or arm.

[He writes with his finger on the handkerchief, after having drawn some blood.

I, the great Clarin, say, if I can level Pert Livia's cruel pride, whom I give to the devil....

DEMON. Leave me, I say again, Go seek your master and with him remain.

CLARIN. Yes, I will do so, don't get angry though.

The reason you reject my bond I know: 'Tis this, because you see, Do what I will that you are sure of me.

SCENE IV.

The Demon.

DEMON. Abyss of h.e.l.l prepare!

Thyself the region of thine own despair.-- From out each dungeon's dark recess Let loose the spirits of voluptuousness, To rain and o'erthrow Justina's virgin fabric pure as snow.

A thousand filthy phantoms with thee brought So people her chaste thought That all her maiden fancies may be filled With their deceits; let sweetest notes be trilled From every tuneful grove, And all, birds, plants, and flowers, provoke to love.

Let nothing meet her eyes But spoils of love's delicious victories, Let nothing meet her ears But languid sighs that listening pa.s.sion hears: That thus unguarded by the faith, and weak, She here may Cyprian seek Invoked by his strong spell, And by my blinding spirit lured as well.

Begin, in silence I will here remain Unseen, that you may now begin the strain.

[Exit.

SCENE V.

JUSTINA; music within. [They sing within.]

A VOICE. What is the glory far above, All else that life can give?

CHORUS OF VARIOUS VOICES. Love love.

A VOICE. No creature lives on which love's flame Has not impressed its burning seal, The man feels more who love doth feel Than when Life's breath first warmed his frame.