Too well I did perceive it was the voice Of my most honoured lady, your dear sister. Longer I durst not stay, but soon I guessed But further know I not. SECOND BROTHER. O night and shades, How are ye joined with Hell in triple knot ELDER BROTHER. Yes, and keep it still; Lean on it safely; not a period Shall be unsaid for me: against the threats Of malice, or of sorcery, or that power Which erring men call chance, this I hold firm : Surprised by unjust force, but not enthralled; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, But evil on itself shall back recoil, And mix no more with goodness; when at last, It shall be in eternal restless change, Self-fed, and self-consumed: 26 if this fail, The pillared firmament 27 is rottenness, And earth's base built on stubble. But come, let's on. Against the opposing will and arm of Heaven May never this just sword be lifted up! But for that damned magician, let him be girt Under the sooty flag of Acheron, Harpies and Hydras, or all the monstrous forms 'Twixt Africa and Ind, I'll find him out, And force him to restore his purchase back, Or drag him by the curls to a foul death, SPIRIT. Alas! good venturous youth, I love thy courage yet, and bold emprise ; Be those that quell the might of hellish charms : ELDER BROTHER. Why prythee, shepherd, How durst thou then thyself approach so near, As to make this relation? SPIRIT. Care and utmost shifts How to secure the lady from surprisal, Brought to my mind a certain shepherd lad, In every virtuous plant and healing herb That spreads her verdant leaf to the morning ray: The leaf was darkish, and had prickles on it; But in another country, as he said, Bore a bright golden flower, but not in this soil: 29 Unknown, and like esteemed, and the dull swain Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon; 30 And yet more med'cinal is it than that moly He called it hæmony, and gave And bade me keep it as of sovran use 31 'Gainst all enchantments, mildew, blast, or damp, Or ghastly furies' apparition. |