[The mountain returns to its original position.
DEMON. If one proof is not sufficient,
I will give you then a second.
Do you wish to see the woman
You adore?
CYPRIAN. Yes.
DEMON. Then, thy entrails
Ope, thou monster, to whose being
The four elements are servants.
Show to us the perfect beauty
That thou hidest in thy centre.
[A rock opens and JUSTINA is seen sleeping.
Is this she whom you adore?
CYPRIAN. Whom I idolize beyond measure.
DEMON. But since I have power to give her,
I can take her too, remember.
CYPRIAN. Now impossible dream of mine,
Now thy arms will be the centre
Of my love, thy lips the sun,
Burning, brimming as with nectar.
DEMON. Stay; for till the word you gave me
Is affirmed, and well attested,
You can touch her not.
[CYPRIAN rushes towards the rock, which closes.
CYPRIAN. Oh, stay
Cloud that hides the most resplendent
Sun, that on my bliss e'er dawned!--
But 'tis air my void arm presses.--
I believe your art, acknowledge
Now I am your slave for ever.
What do you wish I do for thee?
What do you ask?
DEMON. To be protected
By your signature here written
In your blood, at the foot of a letter.
CLARIN [peeping]. Oh! I'd give my soul that I
To stay here had not been tempted.
CYPRIAN. For my pen I use this dagger,
Paper let this white cloth serve for,
And the ink wherewith I write it,
Be the blood my arm presents me.
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