Chapter 38

The Demon.

DEMON. Abyss of hell prepare! Thyself the region of thine own despair.-- From out each dungeon's dark recess Let loose the spirits of voluptuousness, To rain and o'erthrow Justina's virgin fabric pure as snow. A thousand filthy phantoms with thee brought So people her chaste thought That all her maiden fancies may be filled With their deceits; let sweetest notes be trilled From every tuneful grove, And all, birds, plants, and flowers, provoke to love. Let nothing meet her eyes But spoils of love's delicious victories, Let nothing meet her ears But languid sighs that listening passion hears: That thus unguarded by the faith, and weak, She here may Cyprian seek Invoked by his strong spell, And by my blinding spirit lured as well. Begin, in silence I will here remain Unseen, that you may now begin the strain. [Exit.

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