Psy

Lyc. Suffer me, Madam, to obey him who sent me hither; and I beg of you, learn from his lips what troubles me thus.

Lyc

Psy. Let us go and hear what this is which makes them fear that my courage will fail me.

Psy

SCENE V.——AGLAURA, CIDIPPE, LYCAS.

Agl. If your orders do not extend to us, tell us what great misfortune is hidden under your sadness.

Agl

Lyc. Alas! hear for yourselves, princesses, the great misfortune which is known to the whole court. These are the very words which, through the oracle, destiny has spoken to the king, and which grief, Madam, has engraven on my heart:—

Lyc

"No one must think to lead Psyche to Hymen's shrine; But all with earnest speed, In pompous mournful line, High to the mountain crest Must take her; there to await, Forlorn, in deep unrest, A monster who envenoms all, Decreed by fate her husband; A serpent whose dark poisonous breath And rage e'er hold the world in thrall, Shaking the heavens high and realms of death."  

After so severe a decree, I leave you to judge for yourselves if the gods could have manifested their wrath in a more cruel and fearful manner.

SCENE VII.——AGLAURA, CIDIPPE.

Cid. How does this sudden misfortune into which destiny has plunged Psyche affect you, sister?

Cid

Agl. But how does it affect you, sister?

Agl

Cid. To speak the truth, my heart is not very much grieved at it.

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