University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A ship appears at a distance under sail.
Sylvia
alone.
How obstinate her plaints! Her constant sorrow
Afflicts my tender heart: fain would I sooth her;
But prayers, advice and chidings all are vain;
And stranger still, whene'er I offer comfort,
Her tears increase and I'm compell'd to weep:
Yet let me still pursue her—
[going she sees the ship.
Heavens! what means
Yon towering bulk, that rises o'er the sea?
'Tis not a rock—a rock remains unmov'd:
And can so vast a monster cut the flood
With such a rapid motion? See, behind
The parted waves are white; its speedy course
Outstrips the gazing eye, while on its back
It bears huge wings, and swims at once and flies.
Constantia shall instruct me; she can tell
If yonder form is not some wondrous being
That holds its dwelling in the faithless deep.
At least she knows—
[Gernando and Henriques are seen to leave the ship, descend into the boat and land.]
Ye powers! what do I see!
O! who are these that now have reach'd the shore?
What shall I do, and whither turn for aid?
My breast is chill'd with fear, I scarce have strength
To fly, or hide me from the approaching danger.

[hides herself.