DEMON. It is peace, serene and sweet.
JUSTINA. 'Tis a slavery most severe.
DEMON. Life, 'tis joy.
JUSTINA. 'Tis death, deceit.
DEMON. Thy defence, what can it be,
If my power thus forces thee?
[Drags her with more force.
JUSTINA. In my God it doth consist.
DEMON. By persisting to resist,
[Releases her.
Woman, thou has conquered me.
Thy defence to God is due,
And my counsel is disdained;
Yes, but raging I'll renew
My attempt and have thee feigned,
If I cannot have thee true.
To a spirit I will give
Shape like thine though fugitive,
It will counterfeit thy form,
As with seeming life be warm,
And in it disgraced thou'lt live.
Thus two triumphs at one time
I am sure to win by this,
Be thy virtue so sublime,
Since through an ideal bliss
I will consummate a crime.
[Exit.
* * * * *
SCENE VII.
JUSTINA.
JUSTINA. 'Gainst the clouds that round me lower
I appeal to heaven's high power;
Let this spectre of my fame --
As before the wind the flame --
As before the frost the flower,
Vanish, die . . . . But woe is me!
Who is here to heed my moan?
Was there not a man with me?
Yes. But no: I am alone:
No. But yes: for I could see.
Where so quickly could he fly?
Was he born of my unrest?
Oh! my danger's manifest .
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