Scene. V.—A Banqueting Hall,brilliantly illuminated,and set forth with all costly magnificence,with Supper- tables laden with Services of Gold and Silver.A door in the back scene,guarded by two Soldiers.Lords,Ladies,Knights,Gentlemen, &c.,whispering sadly,and ranging themselves;part entering and part discovered.

1st Knight. Grievously are we tantalised, one and all;
Swayed here and there, commanded to and fro,
As though we were the shadows of a sleep,
And linked to a dreaming fancy. What do we hear?

Gonfrid. I am no seer; you know we must obey
The Prince from A to Z, though it should be
To set the place in flames. I pray, hast heard
Where the most wicked Princess is?

1st Knight. There, sir,
In the next room; have you remarked those two
Stout soldiers posted at the door?

Gonfrid. For what?

[They whisper.

1st Lady. How ghast a train!

2nd Lady. Sure this should be some splendid burial.

1st Lady. What fearful whispering! See, see,—Gersa there!

Enter Gersa

Gersa. Put on your brightest looks; smile if you can;
Behave as all were happy; keep your eyes
From the least watch upon him; if he speaks
To any one, answer, collectedly,
Without surprise, his questions, howe’er strange.
Do this to the utmost,—though, alas! with me
The remedy grows hopeless! Here he comes,—
Observe what I have said,—show no surprise.

Enter Ludolph, followed by Sigifred and Page

Ludolph. A splendid company! rare beauties here!
I should have Orphean lips, and Plato’s fancy,
Amphion’s utterance, tonèd with his lyre,
Or the deep key of Jove’s sonorous mouth,
To give fit salutation. Methought I heard,
As I came in, some whispers,—what of that?
’Tis natural men should whisper,; at the kiss
Of Psyche given by Love, there was a buzz
Among the gods!—and silence is as natural.
These draperies are fine, and being a mortal,
I should desire no better; yet, in truth,
There must be some superior costliness
Some wider-domèd high magnificence!
I would have, as a mortal I may not,
Hangings of heaven’s clouds, purple and gold,
Slung from the spheres; gauzes of silver mist,
Looped up with cords of twisted wreathèd light,
And tasselled round with weeping meteors!
These pendent lamps and chandeliers are bright
As earthly fires from dull dross can be cleansed;
Yet could my eyes drink up intenser beams
Undazzled;—this is darkness,—when I close
These lids, I see far fiercer brilliances,—
Skies full of splendid moons, and shooting stars,
And spouting exhalations, diamond fires,
And panting fountains quivering with deep glows.
Yes—this is dark—is it not dark?

Sigifred. My lord,
’Tis late; the lights of festival are ever
Quenched in the morn.

Ludolph. ’Tis not to-morrow then?

Sigifred. ’Tis early dawn.

Gersa. Indeed full time we slept;
Say you so, Prince?

Ludolph. I say I quarrelled with you;
We did not tilt each other,—that’s a blessing,—
Good gods! no innocent blood upon my head!

Sigifred. Retire, Gersa!