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Sylvia

or, The May Queen. A Lyrical Drama. By George Darley

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Scene IV.
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133

Scene IV.

Upon a lark's back, safe and soft,
Jaunty Morgana sits aloft;
And, while the sun-bird fans and sings,
Peeps through the lattice of his wings
At all beneath: Her light attendant,
Osme, floats like a starry pendant
Beside the Queen; to do her hest
Where'er her majesty thinks best.
Morgana.
By this, I think, our host should be assembled:
Thou gav'st command to Nephon?

Osme.
Madam, I did.

Morgana.
Where he should place his guards, and line our bounds
Securely, did'st thou?

Osme.
Yes, so please your highness.
He would convene too, on the level sward,
Minstrels and morris-dancers—

Morgana.
Foolish sprite!
We shall have other feats anon. Two fiends
Already have transgressed my flowery verge,
And borne a sleeping shepherdess away.
Well, if no more: but, from yon woods I deem

134

War, like a couchant lion, waits to spring
At opportunity.—Flit down, and know
What has been done: my breast is full of cares
Both for my kingdom, and my shepherd twain.

Osme.
A fairy Iris, I will make my bow
Of a bent sunbeam, and glide down as swift
As minnow doth the waterfall.

[Vanishes.
Morgana.
She lights!
And birdlike wings into the woody Vale,
Full of her errand. It is featly done.—
Fall midway to the Earth, sweet Lark! I pray.

The Scene closes.