Volume 8 / Act 3 — ACT III. SCENE I.

Con. Furl up our colours, and unbrace our drums; Dislodge betimes, and quit this fatal coast. Arth. Have we forgot to conquer? Aur. Cast off hope; The embattled legions of fire, air, and earth, Are banded for our foes: For, going to discover, with the dawn, Yon southern hill, which promised to the sight A rise more easy to attack the fort, Scarce had we stept on the forbidden ground, When the woods shook, the trees stood bristling up; A living trembling nodded through the leaves. Arth. Poplars, and aspen-boughs; a panic fright. Con. We thought so too, and doubled still our pace; But strait a rumbling sound, like bellowing winds, Rose and grew loud; confused with howls of wolves, And grunts of bears, and dreadful hiss of snakes; Shrieks more than human; globes of hail poured down An armed winter, and inverted day. Arth. Dreadful indeed! Aur. Count then our labour's lost; For other way lies none, to mount the cliff, Unless we borrow wings, and sail through air. Arth. Now I perceive a danger worthy me. 'Tis Osmond's work, a band of hell-hired slaves: Be mine the hazard, mine shall be the fame. [Arthur is going out, but is met by Merlin, who takes him by the hand, and brings him back. Enter Merlin. Mer. Hold, sir, and wait heaven's time; the attempt's too dangerous. There's not a tree in that enchanted grove, But's numbered out, and given by tale to fiends; And under every leaf a spirit couched. But by what method to dissolve these charms, Is yet unknown to me. Aur. Hadst thou been here,—for what can thwart thy skill?— Nor Emmeline had been the boast of Oswald, Nor I, forewarned, been wanting to her guard. Con. Her darkened eyes had seen the light of heaven; That was thy promise too, and this the time. Mer. Nor has my aid been absent, though unseen, With friendly guides in your benighted maze: Nor Emmeline shall longer want the sun. Arth. Is there an end of woes? Mer. There is, and sudden. I have employed a subtle airy sprite To explore the passage, and prepare my way. Myself, mean time, will view the magic wood, To learn whereon depends its force. Con. But Emmeline!—— Mer. Fear not. This vial shall restore her sight. Arth. Oh might I hope,—and what's impossible To Merlin's art?—to be myself the bearer, That with the light of heaven she may discern Her lover first! Mer. 'Tis wond'rous hazardous; Yet I foresee the event, 'tis fortunate. I'll bear ye safe, and bring ye back unharmed: Then lose not precious time, but follow me. [Exeunt, Merlin leading Arthur.