Chapter 2

side a cromlech whereon_ LAMORA _lies bound_: CORLUN _beside her with an uplifted blade of gold. On the other side Druids--around a pot of serpents over a fire in the cavern of an uprooted tree._

[BRUDE _is among them, watchful._

_Corlun (chanting)._ Orpo!--Ai!-- Now shall the Roman Backward be driven, O gods! Orpo!--Ai!-- For to the death stroke Lamora's given, O gods! Orpo! Ai!-- Her skyward soul Thro the dank dark shall rise, As the morn's sun Unto your halls Far o'er the skies. And she shall say Thus Druids crave Help of the helpers of men.

_Druids (incanting around the cavern)._ Orpo!--Ai!-- Serpents are spawned Of devils' spit, O gods! Orpo!--Ai!-- Spit boiled with blood In caverns lit By fungous fangs From Mona's wood.

[_They circle._ BRUDE _steals behind_ CORLUN.

Orpo!--Ai!-- Serpents are spawned In magic broth To coil and wriggle, Writhe and twist; Till their froth Becomes a mist, Till the mist An egg shall form-- Charm that Druids prize.

_Brude (with a sudden cry)._ Corlun, the gods Wait for thy soul! [_Slays him._ Lamora, fly! With me, fly-- Thro the black forest! [_Has cut her bonds._ Great Lactantius, Maker of gods, Loves _not_ the maiden's death-cry!

[_They escape._

_Druids (in terror)._ Corlun is slain! Corlun! slain! Woe to the Druids! Woe from the heavens! Woe from the ireful Queen!

[_They pursue confusedly._