CLARIN. [peeping]. The deuce! This fellow
Is no fool, I see. No greenhorn
In his business is this devil.
I give him my bond! No, truly,
Though my lodgings wanted a tenant
For the space of twenty ages,
I wouldn't do it.
CYPRIAN. Sir, much jesting
May with merry friends be pastime,
Not with those who are dejected.
DEMON. I, in proof of what I am able
To effect, will now present you
With an example, though it faintly
Shows the power my art possesses.
From this gallery what is seen?
CYPRIAN. Much of sky, and much of meadow,
Wood, a rivulet, and a mountain.
DEMON. Which to you doth seem most pleasant?
CYPRIAN. The proud mountain, for in it
Is my adored one represented.
DEMON. Proud competitor of time,
Rival of the years for ever,
Who as king of fields and plains
Crown'st thee with the cloud and tempest,
Move thyself, change earth and air;
Look, see who I am that tell thee.--
And, look thou, too, since a mountain
I can move, thou mayest a maiden.
[The mountain moves from one side to the other in the perspective of
the theatre.
CYPRIAN. Never saw I such a wonder!
Ne'er a sight of so much terror!
CLARIN [peeping]. With the fright and with the fear,
I enjoy a twofold tremble.
CYPRIAN. Mighty mountain bird that fliest,
Trees for wings replacing feathers,
Boat, whose rocks supply the tackle,
As thou furrowest through the zephyr,
To thy centre back return thee,
And so end this fear, this terror.
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