University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

—The Hall of Voragine.
Volupsa, Cœlis.

Henceforth is Cœlis calm; his panic o'er,
With gentle words would he restore
The wreath of smiles Volupsa wore,
When, in its soul-beams lit, her happy face
Was charged with every sudden grace.
What, thought he, can that wreath replace!
But she had newer smiles that broke
Around her lips even ere she spoke.

CŒLIS.
Volupsa! scarce I know your face again!
Joyous or sad, 'tis always more than fair;
But smiles it hath to-day that entertain
Some favoured guest and all love's welcome bear.
What do I see? the lights within your eyes
Have flashed not so this many a day;
Lustres of brilliance they display;—
Your very soul-depths seem to crystallise.

VOLUPSA.
Joy, Cœlis, is of many hues:
You have not heard the cheering news.
My brother has returned; the war
Is closed, our foes are friendly near and far.

CŒLIS.
Tidings of joy, if strife be at an end!

VOLUPSA.
And now my brother pants to greet his dearest friend.

CŒLIS.
When did he come?

VOLUPSA.
It was as morning broke:
Hundreds of villages awoke
In time to hail his gorgeous cavalcade,
And wreaths of common hedge-flowers many made;
Myrtle boughs and laurels waving,
And on the road the cry of victory raving.
Escorted by his guard up to the gate
His honoured name three times the soldier shouted.
He only said it was their bravery won
The glory and the rebels routed:
He gave the triumph to their arms alone.

CŒLIS.
Where is the army now that he commanded?

VOLUPSA.
It is dispersed: the troops are all disbanded,
No longer needed in the field,
So surely is the quarrel healed.

CŒLIS.
Now be it mine a cheering word to say:
My sister Vivia comes to-day;—

VOLUPSA.
Another joy!

CŒLIS.
She is already on her way.

VOLUPSA.
The happy time for all sets in;
And now I hear my brother, Voragine;
That is his step along the corridor:
You know his light and rapid tread!
It is upon the welcome floor,
The home where he was born and bred.
Farewell, awhile!

CŒLIS,
alone.
The passion of a child:
Oh! what true music has a sister's love!
About my heart by her 'twas early wove,
Since of its intertwining blisses spoiled!