class="poem">

[Exit.

Enter Henry and Haufray, from opposite sides.

Henry.

This way, my friend, our foe is in our power. Yonder he walks in armour, but alone.

Haufray.

Nay, Henry, this way lies the road—Unarm'd he comes perhaps to meet the princess.

Henry.

Your jealousy has blinded you. I say with swiftest pace he there eludes our vengeance, close followed by his page.

Haufray.

Ambition makes you mad. Stand back, and as he passes, unprotected by his wild associate, here let's attack him.

Henry.

You fear to face him. I'll believe my eyes and go alone. By heav'n, 'tis he indeed.

Haufray.

Now will you believe your eyes?

They conceal themselves—Valentine enters, and is attacked by Haufray, who is overthrown, when Henry aims a blow behind Valentine—Orson suddenly enters, catches Henry up, and carries him away—Haufray is beaten off by Valentine, who follows—Orson re-enters, signifies that he has thrown Henry into the river, but not finding Valentine where he left him, the wild man picks up the swords of the disarmed adversaries, and runs off, in pursuit of him.

SCENE V.—The Encampment and Pavilion of the Green Knight.—on one Side a large Oak Tree, on which several Knights in shining Armour, are seen hanging—on the other Side is a Tree, to which a Shield, marked with magical Characters, is suspended, and guarded by a Saracen Priest. (Phillips.)

The Lady Florimonda discovered embroidering a Scarf—She hears a distant march, looks out in hopes of some Knight's approach—the Green Knight enters, in brilliant armour, preceded by Saracen Warriors—he offers the Lady Florimonda his hand, which she rejects, and shews him these words, embroidered on the scarf:

"Florimonda will wed the Knight,
who frees her from Agramant."

He threatens, and strikes the scarf from her hand—she falls on her knees in despair—a trumpet is sounded without—Agramant orders it to be answered—Eglantine enters, and offers to fight with him—the Green Knight points to the tree where the other knights are hanging, and disdaining the youthful appearance of Eglantine, advises her to avoid the combat—she insists on a trial—they fight—she is overthrown—the Green Knight is about to put her to death, when Valentine rushes on, discovers Eglantine, and fiercely defies Agramant, who, in derision, bids him try to pull down the shield from the tree—when Valentine approaches the shield, the Saracen Priest interposes, and speaks:

Priest.

Forbear!—this shield protects a prince not nursed by woman.

Valentine persists, and encounters the Green Knight, with battle-axe, broad sword, &c.—Valentine is worsted—Orson rushes on, and begs to fight Agramant—Valentine recollects the words of the priest, and bids Orson try to pull away the shield—which he is about to seize, when the priest again says:

Forbear!—this shield protects a prince not nursed by woman.

Orson, not regarding him, approaches the shield, and it flies into his hand—the Green Knight, forewarned of his fate, rushes on Orson in savage desperation—but every weapon breaks on the enchanted shield—Orson strikes Agramant to the ground—Valentine's soldiers rush on, and vanquish the Saracens—thunder is heard, and the Genius Pacolet is seen descending on a flying horse—he alights, comes forward, and addresses the characters.

Pacolet.

Pacolet gives a ring to Valentine, waves his wand, they follow him.

SCENE VI.—Castle of the Giant Ferragus. (Richards.)

Valentine and Orson enter, and approach the gates. Orson seeing a horn, blows it—it utters a dreadfully discordant blast—the gates fly open—two Fiends rush out, one of them speaks.

Fiend.

The invincible sovereign of this castle, the mighty and gigantic Ferragus, warns you to fly—hence!—begone!

They rush on Valentine and Orson, are overthrown and sink—as Valentine and Orson are proceeding, a Lion enters, Valentine presents the magic ring, and the Lion disappears—Pacolet is seen in place of the monster, and conducts Valentine and Orson into the Giant's dwelling.

SCENE VII.—A Magic Chamber in the Castle—(Whitmore.)

In the Centre, on a Pillar, a golden Head, and on one side of it, stands the enormous Giant Ferragus, leaning on a massive Club—Valentine and Orson enter—the Giant raises his monstrous club—Pacolet enters—waves his wand, the club changes to a heavy chain, incircling the arms of the giant—Orson catches up the giant, throws him down, and stands over him, Pacolet waves his wand.