University of Virginia Library

Scene IV.

Enter Lelius and Florus.—Cyprian.
Lelius.
Further let us not proceed;
For these rocks, these boughs so thickly
Interwoven, that the sun
Cannot even find admittance,
Shall be the sole witnesses
Of our duel.

Florus.
Then, this instant
Draw your sword; for here are deeds,
If in words elsewhere we've striven.

Lelius.
Yes, I know that in the field,
While the tongue is mute, the glitter
Of the sword speaks thus.

[They fight.
Cyprian.
What's this?
Hold, good Florus! Lelius, listen!—
Here until your rage is calmed,
Even unarmed I stand betwixt ye.

Lelius.
Thus to interrupt my vengeance,
Whence, O Cyprian, have you risen
Like a spectre?

Florus.
A wild wood-god,
Have you from these tree-trunks issued?