Page:Gilbert Original Plays.djvu/41

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE WICKED WORLD.
35

Under pretense that his unhappy wound
Demands her unremitting watchfulness!
(Indignantly.) This, fairies, is our queen!—the sinless soul
To whose immaculate pre-eminence
We pure and perfect maidens of the air
Accord our voluntary reverence!
Zay. Her conduct is an outrage on her sex!
Was it for this that we proposed to her
That we should bring these mortals to our land?
Is this the way to teach this erring man
The moral beauties of a spotless life?
To teach him truths that now he wots not of?
Surely this knight might well have learnt on earth
Such moral truths as she is teaching him.

Enter Selene from bower, Darine retires up.

Lei. At last she comes! (to Selene). We are well pleased to find
That, after such a lengthy vigil, thou
Canst tear thyself away from Ethais!
Sel. Yes, dearest sister, he is calmer now.
(To Zay.) Oh! this has been a fearful night for him;
Not for one moment have I left his side!
Zay. Poor Ethais! Believe us, sister dear,
He has our heartfelt pity.
Sel. All night long
He tossed and raved in wild delirium;
Shouting for arms, and, as it seemed to me,
Fighting his fight with Phyllon o'er again,