The Two Lovers of Heaven: Chrysanthus and Daria Part 17

Oh! the horror!

CYNTHIA.

Oh! the anguis.h.!.+ [Exeunt Cynthia and Nisida.]

ESCARPIN.

Mad with jealousy and rage Have the tuneful twain departed.

DARIA (aside).

Chastis.e.m.e.nts for due offences Do not fright me, do not startle, For if they through arrogance And ambition sought this garden, Me the wors.h.i.+p of the G.o.ds Here has led, and so I 'm guarded 'Gainst all sorceries whatsoever, 'Gainst all forms of Christian magic:-- Art thou then Chrysanthus?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Yes.

DARIA.

Not confused or troubled, rather With a certain fear I see thee, For which I have grounds most ample.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Why?

DARIA.

Because I thought thou wert One who in a darksome cavern Died to show thy love for me.

CHRYSANTHUS.

I have yet been not so happy As to have a chance, Daria, Of thus proving my attachment.

DARIA.

Be that so, I 've come to seek thee, Confident, completely sanguine, That I have the power to conquer, I alone, thy pains, thy anguish; Though against me thou shouldst use The Christian armoury--enchantments.

CHRYSANTHUS.

That thou hast alone the power To subdue the pains that wrack me, I admit it; but in what Thou hast said of Christian magic I, Daria, must deny it.

DARIA.

How? from what cause else could happen The effects I just have witnessed?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Miracles they are and marvels.

DARIA.

Why do they affect not me?

CHRYSANTHUS.

'T is because I do not ask them Against thee; because from aiding Not myself, no aid is granted.

DARIA.

Then I come here to undo them.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Most severe will be the battle, Upon one side their due praises On the other side thy anger.

DARIA.

I would have thee understand That our G.o.ds are sorely damaged By thy sentiments.

CHRYSANTHUS.

And I That those G.o.ds are false--mere phantoms.

DARIA.

Then get ready for the conflict, For I will not lower my standard Save with victory or death.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Though thou makest me thy captive, Thou my firmness wilt not conquer.

DARIA.

Then to arms! I say, to arms, then!

CHRYSANTHUS.

Though the outposts of the soul, The weak heart, by thee be captured; Not so will the Understanding, The strong warden who doth guard it.

DARIA.

Thou 'lt believe me, if thou 'lt love me.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Thou not me, 'till love attracts thee.

DARIA.

That perhaps may be; for I Would not give thee this advantage.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Oh! that love indeed may lead thee To a state so sweet and happy!

DARIA.

Oh! what power will disabuse thee Of thy ignorance, Chrysanthus?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Oh! what pitying power, Daria, Will the Christian faith impart thee?

ACT THE THIRD.

SCENE I.--The Garden of Polemius.

Enter POLEMIUS, AURELIUS, CLAUDIUS, and ESCARPIN.

POLEMIUS.

All my house is in confusion, Full of terrors, full of horrors;[11]