Chapter 44

A WOOD.

CYPRIAN, as frightened; CLARIN, stealthily after him.

CYPRIAN. Doubtless something must have happened 'Mong the stars; imperial clusters,* Since I find their influences To my wishes so repugnant. Up from the profound abysses Some dark caveat must be uttered, Which prohibits the obedience Which they owe me as my subjects. I, a thousand times, with spell-words Made the winds of heaven to shudder, I, a thousand times, the bosom Of the earth with symbols furrowed, Yet mine eyes have not been gladdened By the human sun refulgent That I seek, nor in mine arms Hold that human heaven.

[footnote] *'Asonante' in 'u-e' to the end of Scene XV.

CLARIN. What wonder? When a thousand times have I Scraped the earth as if for nuggets, When a thousand times the wind By my screeching was perturbed, And yet Livia was oblivious.

CYPRIAN. Once again then I am humbled To invoke her thus. Oh, listen, Beautiful Justina....

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