In pompous mournful line,
High to the mountain crest
Must take her; there to await,
Forlorn, in deep unrest,
A monster who envenoms all,
Decreed by fate her husband;
A serpent whose dark poisonous breath
And rage e'er hold the world in thrall,
Shaking the heavens high and realms of death."

After so severe a decree, I leave you to judge for yourselves if the
gods could have manifested their wrath in a more cruel and fearful
manner.



SCENE VII.--AGLAURA, CIDIPPE.

CID. How does this sudden misfortune into which destiny has plunged
Psyche affect you, sister?

AGL. But how does it affect you, sister?

CID. To speak the truth, my heart is not very much grieved at it.

AGL. My heart feels something which very much resembles joy. Let us
go; Fate has sent us a calamity which we can consider as a blessing.