SCENE V.
Opens and discovers the inside of the Temple; the Altar
of Incense, with the sacred fire, and the Altar of Sacrifice.
The Choir and sacred Music at the upper end.
The Priests ranged on either hand; a Roman Victim
standing behind each Priest, with his hands bound, and
adorned with ribbons and garlands.
Priestess.
Begin your dread solemnities.
Symphony of Music, and the Hymn sung by Priests and Priestesses.
HYMN.
I.
Goddess of conflicting arms,
Of the field and of the fight,
Brazen sounds, and dread alarms,
Conquest, slaughter, fear, and flight!
II.
To thee, triumphant, potent maid,
Be our vows and offerings paid!
Should domestic guilt displease,
Hostile blood shall best appease.
Priestess.
List now—Thus saith our ancient oracle:
When a victim, free to live,
Shall his life for others give—
Human offerings shall, no more,
Stain the land with human gore.
So says the sentence of two thousand years—
But, no such victim comes!
Ye know your duty.
[To the Priests—each of whom seizes his Captive,
and draws a poniard, ready to strike.
