University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Druidical grove—an altar in the midst. Present, Rudiger, Hagen, and other Druids.
Rud.
Not wholly powerless are we to observe
Our ancient Druid rites, and offer up
Other oblations than a wreath of flowers
Unto our country's gods. Proscribed by Rome—
Distrusted by the people and the army—
Humbled by her, who should have been our stay—
Born as she was beneath the sacred shadow
Of our old oaks)—yet are we still the hope,
The life-blood of the nation! Take away
The Druid graft, Britannia gave to Gaul,
And Gaul must perish. This the Roman knows,
And therefore our extinction is his aim.
While Norma urged the war that's poised 'gainst Rome,
'Twas well. She worked our will. But now, for some
Inexplicable cause, she falters in
This opposition, and holds back the army,
That chafes to launch itself against the foe.
Let her beware!—Come! to our country's gods
Now let our ancient rites be once more paid
In the ancient way.

(Enter Norma.)
Druids.
Norma!

Nor.
I interrupt you.
Have I broke in upon your little fête?
Unbind me yonder victim!

Rud.
Do not stir!
Obey not, on your lives.

Nor.
What! Rudiger?
Thou'rt he would have us think that the great gods,—
Weary of their ambrosia,—thirst for blood.

Rud.
Beware! Presume not on thy power too far.

Nor.
Have I not said these orgies shall not be?
I say it now! Release yon struggling wretch,
Whom ye have bound for secret sacrifice,
Or by the Power who made me, ye shall find
Blood shall have blood—the slayer shall be slain!
Am I to be obeyed?

(The Druids whisper among themselves, and gather round Norma.)
Hagen.
Be patient, Norma.

Nor.
I've been too patient with you—failed to use
The means I have to sweep your superstition
From the offended earth. Beware, lest I
Bid Rome make Gaul her own. With Roman power
To back me, there is not the grove so dark
Should hide one Druid murderer from my rage.
Unbind the victim, or ye follow him.

Hagen.
This, Norma, is the Druid's answer.

(He attempts to stab Norma—She throws him off—Ambron rushes in.)
Amb.
Hold! (Norma flies to him.)

Which man will rush on death? Ye grave assassins!
Look at your victim, yonder! He is free!
Ye hardly can outstrip him in his speed.
Would any take his place, why let him linger
Another moment here. So! Are ye gone?

[Exeunt all the Druids
Nor.
Ambron! Deliverer!

Amb.
Desperate as I knew them,
I dreamed not they would lift the violent hand
'Gainst Norma's sacred life.

Nor.
And these are they
For whom we fight! for whose deliverance
From Rome's exterminating threat, this war
(Disguise it as we may) goes on! The scales
Obscure my sight no longer. Shall this be?
Is it to float this Druid dynasty
Gaul's blood must flow?

Amb.
Not mine, if Norma says it!
They would have slain thee! O! most blessëd chance
That brought me timely here. They shall repent it.
My clan will follow me through fire and blood.
Say but the word, and not one Druid altar
Shall be left standing.

Nor.
Leave their punishment
To Rome's strong arm. Let us remain no longer
'Twixt them and Rome. Let us make terms with Rome.

Amb.
Do what thou wilt. I know what Norma does
Has Heaven's approval. Have I not known thee, Norma,
From childhood up, pure, wise, and faithful ever?
Say war or peace, resistance or submission.
Count on my voice and sword to uphold thee still.

Nor.
'Tis well. I go to treat with Rome.

Amb.
Go! Treat with Rome.

[Exeunt together,