King Arthur - Free Audiobook

SCENE II.—

Of a Temple with Illuminations. An Altar, Apis painted above; Priests and Choristers.

Ptolemy, Cassandra, Courtiers, men and women, all decently placed. Musick, Instrumental and Vocal. Then Ptolemy, taking Cassandra by the hand, advances to the Altar of Apis, bowing thrice, and gives the High Priest a purse. Soft Musick all the while Ptolemy and Cassandra are adoring and speaking.

Ptol. Soul of the universe, and source of life,

Immortal Apis, thou thrice holy fire,

Hear Egypt's vows and mine! If, as we dream,

Egyptian earth, impregnated with flame,

Sprung the first man,

Preserve thy primitive plantation here!

Then, for myself, thy type, and thy vicegerent,

Roll from my loins a long descent of kings,

Mixed of Cassandra's kindly blood and mine.

Mine be she only, and I only hers!

And when I shall resolve again to thee,

May she survive me, and be queen of Egypt:

Hear this, and firm it with some happy omen!

[An Augury portending good success arises from the Altar.

Omnes. Apis be praised for this auspicious omen!

[Ptolemy bowing retires, and seems pleased.

Cas. [Kneels.] Great power of Love! who spread'st thy gentle fire

Through human hearts, art every where adored;

Accept these vows, in show to Apis paid,

And make his altar thine! hear not that wretch,

Because his prayers were not addressed to thee;

Or only hear his last, that I may reign!

Make Cleomenes mine, and mine alone.

Give us a flight secure, a safe arrival,

And crown our wishes in each others arms.

Hear this, and firm it with some happy omen!

[A bad omen arises from the flames of the Altar.

Omnes. Avert this omen, Apis!

Cas. [Rises.] Accursed be thou, grass-eating foddered god!

Accursed thy temple! more accursed thy priests!

The gods are theirs, not ours; and when we pray

For happy omens, we their price must pay.

In vain at shrines the ungiving suppliant stands;

This 'tis to make a vow with empty hands:

Fat offerings are the priesthood's only care;

They take the money, and heaven hears the prayer.

Without a bribe their oracles are mute;

And their instructed gods refuse the suit.

[Exit Cassandra in a fury, King and Attendants follow. Scene closes.