For in thy power acceptance or rejection
Is freely put, lift up thine eyes and say,
What see'st thou yonder.
(pointing to a dark arched opening in the roof of the cave, where an illuminated crown and sceptre appears.)
Ethw. (starting.) Ha! e'en the inward vision of my soul,
In actual form pourtray'd! (his eyes bright'ning wonderfully.)
Say'st thou it shall be mine?
Arch Sist. As thou shalt chuse.
Ethw. I ask of thee no more.
(stands gazing upon the appearance till it fades away.)
It says, perhaps, my greatness shall be short.
Arch Sist. I speak to thee no further than I may,
Therefore be satisfied.
Ethw. And I am satisfied. Dread mystic maid,
Receive my thanks.
Arch Sist. Nay, Ethwald, our commission ends not here,
Stay, and behold, what follows.
(the stage becomes suddenly dark, and most terrible shrieks, and groans, and dismal lamentations are heard from the farther end of the cave.)
Ethw. What horrid sounds are these?
