Scene III
(A magnificent cave. Enter Count Julian, attended
by Celuta and Endea.)
Count Julian
Within this Temple's grand, magnificent nave,
Studding with ever variant hues the dome—
Myriads of crystals blaze, like diamond flowers,
All newly blown, immortal in their blaze—
A petrified Parterre, bright as the Palace-home
Of Genie in the realms of Fairy-land.
Columns of glittering granite-pillars high
Of Crimson Porphyre, like Trophies torn
From mighty things in battle for the world.
Such is the splendor of the place when seen.
By torch-light, blazing high in glory bright
Like fragments of pure Beauty torn from out
The burning stars—forever burning here!
More beautiful than that Corycian cave,
The residence of all the Nymphs of Pan.
Or that delightful cave we read of in
The Hesperian Land, where Saturn with
His people spent the Golden Age in peace.
For, in this subterranean Vatican,
Of Nature's most superior workmanship—
The rich embodiment of myriad thought—
Exprest in crystals, far surpassing all
The richest Statuary in the world—
As if they were the leisure thoughts of Gods,
In emulation of some Work Divine
Done by the Maker of the world in Heaven.
(Exeunt into the interior of the cave.)
