CYPRIAN. Never saw I such a man.
But since still my people linger,
I, the cause of so much doubt,
Will now strive to reconsider.
[He resumes his reading, without perceiving the approach of those who enter.



* * * * *


SCENE IV.

Enter LELIUS and FLORUS.-- CYPRIAN.

LELIUS. Further let us not proceed;
For these rocks, these boughs so thickly
Interwoven, that the sun
Cannot even find admittance,
Shall be the sole witnesses
Of our duel.

FLORUS. Then, this instant
Draw your sword; for here are deeds,
If in words elsewhere we've striven.

LELIUS. Yes, I know that in the field,
While the tongue is mute, the glitter
Of the sword speaks thus.
[They fight.