University of Virginia Library

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.