hand). But hark! the music, and I must marshal the guests to the banquet. Permit me to marshal you.

[Exeunt with measured steps.

50

50

Scene IV.—The garden without the banqueting-room. Moonlight. The sea in the distance, with the harbour.

Scene IV.

Asander and Gycia descend the steps of the palace slowly together. Music heard from within the hall.

Asander

Gycia

Asan. Come, Gycia, let us take the soft sweet air

Beneath the star of love. The festive lights

Still burn within the hall, where late we twain

Troth-plighted sate, and I from out thine eyes

Drank long, deep draughts of love stronger than wine.

And still the minstrels sound their dulcet strains,

Which then I heard not, since my ears were filled

With the sweet music of thy voice. My sweet,

How blest it is, left thus alone with love,

To hear the love-lorn nightingales complain

Beneath the star-gemmed heavens, and drink cool airs

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