Act II

SCENE.--Interior of the Temple of Artemis. Small gold gates on platform in front of the veil before the colossal statue of the Goddess, and in the centre of the Temple a tripod altar, on which is a lighted lamp. Lamps (lighted) suspended between each pillar. Tripods, vases, garlands of flowers, etc., about stage. Altar at back close to Goddess, with two cups. Solemn music. Priestesses decorating the Temple.

(The Chorus of PRIESTESSES sing as they enter.)

Artemis, Artemis, hear us, O Mother, hear us, and bless us! Artemis, thou that art life to the wind, to the wave, to the glebe, to the fire! Hear thy people who praise thee! O help us from all that oppress us! Hear thy priestesses hymn thy glory! O yield them all their desire!

PRIESTESS. Phoebe, that man from Synorix, who has been So oft to see the Priestess, waits once more Before the Temple.

PHOEBE. We will let her know. [Signs to one of the Priestesses, who goes out. Since Camma fled from Synorix to our Temple, And for her beauty, stateliness, and power, Was chosen Priestess here, have you not mark'd Her eyes were ever on the marble floor? To-day they are fixt and bright--they look straight out. Hath she made up her mind to marry him?

PRIESTESS. To marry him who stabb'd her Sinnatus. You will not easily make me credit that.

PHOEBE. Ask her.

Enter CAMMA as Priestess (in front of the curtains).

PRIESTESS. You will not marry Synorix?

CAMMA. My girl, I am the bride of Death, and only Marry the dead.

PRIESTESS. Not Synorix then?

CAMMA.

My girl, At times this oracle of great Artemis Has no more power than other oracles To speak directly.

PHOEBE. Will you speak to him, The messenger from Synorix who waits Before the Temple?

CAMMA. Why not? Let him enter. [Comes forward on to step by tripod.

Enter a MESSENGER.

MESSENGER (kneels). Greeting and health from Synorix! More than once You have refused his hand. When last I saw you, You all but yielded. He entreats you now For your last answer. When he struck at Sinnatus-- As I have many a time declared to you-- He knew not at the moment who had fasten'd About his throat--he begs you to forget it. As scarce his act:--a random stroke: all else Was love for you: he prays you to believe him.

CAMMA. I pray him to believe--that I believe him.

MESSENGER. Why that is well. You mean to marry him?

CAMMA. I mean to marry him--if that be well.

MESSENGER. This very day the Romans crown him king For all his faithful services to Rome. He wills you then this day to marry him, And so be throned together in the sight Of all the people, that the world may know You twain are reconciled, and no more feuds Disturb our peaceful vassalage to Rome.

CAMMA. To-day? Too sudden. I will brood upon it. When do they crown him?

MESSENGER. Even now.