University of Virginia Library

SCENE XIII.

A Sea is discovered, against which the Sons of Usna struggle, but are borne along powerless.
CONOR.
Are they now powerless?

CAFFA.
They are—bereft
Of strength.

CONOR.
Command their swords to fall from them,
Or the Ultonians—none of us—are safe!
[They pass out.
Subdue the waters; make it now dry land.
This is the Land of Maintenance I gave
To Buini the Ruthless Red.

CAFFA.
It is;
But now the Waters of Destruction to his soul!

Enter Buini floundering in the waves.
CONOR.
Who is that drowning in the waves?

CAFFA.
'Tis he!
Vile Pharaoh in the ruthless Red Sea drowned!

CONOR.
For God's sake, save him! save him for my sake!

CAFFA.
No—he is lost!—forever lost in the deep
Wide gulf of everlasting ruin! This is
The dread reward which Heaven bestows on all
Who deal by treachery! God is more just
Than man!

CONOR.
I see it now! I see it all!
All—all is lost!

CAFFA.
From this day forth, it shall
Be called Buini's Moor!

CONOR.
Was it for this
You roused the waves?

CAFFA.
It was for this alone!

CONOR.
But have the Sons of Usna perished too?

CAFFA.
If they have ever done you wrong, or me!

CONOR.
Then they are powerful as ever still?

CAFFA.
Powerful as ever to resent all wrong.

CONOR.
Then, farewell! I must go to save my life!

[Exit.
CAFFA.
Thus do I, with the Magic of my power,
Raise up this raging Sea, in which his soul
Can see its evil deeds as in a glass.
The bad man's mirror is the Lake of Hell,
In which his soul is seen begrimed with sin.
The good man's glass is Christ's celestial face,
Wherein is mirrored, as in seas at calm,
The bright stars of the all-embracing Heavens,—
His gentle thoughts baptized in dews of peace.

[Exit.