The Wonder-Working Magician Part 6

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.

FLORUS and LELIUS.

LELIUS. Sir, whoever You may be, it doth import me To know who you are directly; So at every risk I come here, On this resolute quest determined.

Say who are you.

FLORUS. If the accident Of my having been the observer Of your secret love, compels you To this valorous aggression, More than it can you concern Me to know, it doth concern me To know you; for to be curious Is far less than to be jealous.

Yes, by Heaven! for who is master Of the house have I to learn here, Who it is at such an hour, By this balcony ascending, Gaineth that which I lose weeping At these gratings.

LELIUS. This excelleth, Good, in faith, is it thus to dim The clear light of my resentment, By attributing to me That which solely your offence is!-- Who you are I have to know, Death to give to him who has left me Dead with jealousy here, by coming From this balcony.

FLORUS. How excessive How superfluous is this caution, Proving what it would dissemble!

LELIUS. Vainly would the tongue untangle That which the keen sword can better Thus cut through.

FLORUS. With it I answer.

[They fight.

LELIUS. In this way I'll know for certain Who is the admitted lover Of Justina.

FLORUS. My intention Is the same. I'll die or know you.

SCENE XIV.

Enter CYPRIAN, MOSCON, and CLARIN.

CYPRIAN. Gentlemen, I pray you let me Interpose in this your quarrel, Since by accident I am present.

FLORUS. You cannot oblige me more Than by letting the fight be ended.

CYPRIAN. Florus?

FLORUS. Yes, for sword in hand, I my name deny not ever To who asks.

CYPRIAN. I'm at your side, Death to him who would offend you.

LELIUS. You produce in me less fear, Both of you thus joined together, Than did he alone.

CYPRIAN. What! Lelius?

LELIUS. Yes.