_Justicia._ Unto this haughty speech, and fulsome praise, We've listened, Genia, in a wild amaze. Hast thou forgot, self-laudatory boast Was ne'er the leader of a conquering host? But that to sober justice we're allied, We should be merry at such foolish pride.
_Primeva._ I care not for your frown. Betwixt the false and true she _must_ decide: Mine is the wise, and yours the foolish pride.
_Justicia._ This idle skirmish doth our court defame; A silly quarrel for an empty name.
_Primeva._ A silly quarrel! Is Justicia fair, To shun a verdict by excuse so bare?
_Genia._ She's bound to rule whene'er we make appeal: Be wise, Justicia, and your choice reveal.
_Justicia._ Hear, then, the judgment which we now proclaim:— As each has sought to blazon her own fame, The key to right in this one truth we find,— She is the greatest who best serves mankind. On this you are agreed. Here rest your case, And leave the verdict to the human race. Ofttimes, in Idylcourt, you've chanced to meet An earthly maid, who favors our retreat, With curious, watchful eyes, as though she sought Food for the nourishment of new-born thought,— A goodly type of fair, ingenuous youth, About whom floats an atmosphere of truth. Woo her, fair sisters, with all fair device, Which should in honest rivalry suffice; In peaceful tourney meet to win the maid; And on the victor shall our hand be laid In benediction of so wise a choice; Then harmony prevails, and all rejoice.
_Justicia._ Prepare your forces for the bloodless fight. Be earnest in the strife, but loyal ever, And some success _must_ crown a right endeavor.
Then gayly to the tourney hie, And struggle for the crown; The strong in right shall all defy, The wrong in shame go down. In peaceful contest meeting, All courteous be the greeting. We arm, the contest to begin: Hurrah! the right shall win!
_At the words, "All courteous"_ JUSTICIA _extends her right hand_; PRIMEVA _lays her left hand upon it_; GENIA _lays her right. They stand thus until the chorus ends. Then repeat the chorus._ JUSTICIA _steps back, and exit_ R.; PRIMEVA _and_ GENIA _with their attendants countermarch, and exeunt_ R. _and_ L. _As the song ceases, enter from_ R., POESIE.
_Poesie_. Vanquished again! Was ever mortal maid By wild, illusive phantoms so betrayed? Taught by a wise old seer that Idylcourt Of guiding genii is the famed resort, I've wandered in and out for weary hours, Seeking the leaders of those mighty powers That robe the earth in beauty, seasons guide, Hang out the stars, and shift the changing tide, Endow with action all the sons of earth, And to the good and beautiful give birth. Alas! my search is vain. About me glide Tormenting shadows, that my calls deride. I feel their presence in the fragrant breeze; I touch their fingers in the fruited trees; I spy their images in mirrored fount; I hear their music in the echoing mount. I know that at their touch fair cities rise; That at their call delighted progress flies; That at their smiles e'en towering genius soars To loftier heights, and richer spoil secures. And yet far off they stand. I cannot meet The love-light of their eyes, or at their feet Drink in the wisdom of inspiring speech. The springs of power rise far beyond my reach. Hear me, ye spirits, wonderful and grand! Upon your charmèd ground I fearless stand. Come ye in frightful shapes, or forms of grace, I challenge you to meet me face to face.