Some most extraordinary spell {us} O’er {them} has cast its magic fell-- {we} The consequence {they} need not tell. {We} {thee! {They} pity, pity {me! _Alex._ (_furiously_). False one, begone--I spurn thee! To thy new lover turn thee! Thy perfidy all men shall know. _Ali._ (_wildly_). I could not help it! _Alex._ (_calling off_). Come one, come all! _Dr. D._ We could not help it! _Alex._ (_calling off_). Obey my call! _Ali._ (_wildly_). I could not help it! _Alex._ (_calling off_). Come, hither, run! _Dr. D._ We could not help it! _Alex._ (_calling off_). Come, every one! _Enter all the characters except LADY SANGAZURE and MR. WELLS._ CHORUS. Oh, what is the matter, and what is the clatter? He’s glowering at her, and threatens a blow! Oh, why does he batter the girl he did flatter? And why does the latter recoil from him so? RECITATIVE.--ALEXIS. Prepare for sad surprises-- My love Aline despises! No thought of sorrow shames her-- Another lover claims her! Be his, false girl, for better or for worse-- But, ere you leave me, may a lover’s curse---- _Dr. D._ (_coming forward_). Hold! Be just. This poor child drank the philtre at your instance. She hurried off to meet you--but, most unhappily, she met me instead. As you had administered the potion to both of us, the result was inevitable. But fear nothing from me--I will be no man’s rival. I shall quit the country at once--and bury my sorrow in the congenial gloom of a colonial bishopric. _Alex._ My excellent old friend! (_Taking his hand--then turning to MR. WELLS, who has entered with LADY SANGAZURE._) Oh, Mr. Wells, what, what is to be done? _Mr. W._ I do not know--and yet--there is one means by which this spell may be removed. _Alex._ Name it--oh, name it! _Mr. W._ Or you or I must yield up his life to Ahrimanes. I would rather it were you. I should have no hesitation in sacrificing my own life to spare yours, but we take stock next week, and it would not be fair on the Co. _Alex._ True. Well, I am ready! _Ali._ No, no--Alexis--it must not be! Mr. Wells, if he must die that all may be restored to their old loves, what is to become of me? I should be left out in the cold, with no love to be restored to! _Mr. W._ True--I did not think of that. (_To the others._) My friends, I appeal to you, and I will leave the decision in your hands. FINALE. _Mr. W._ Or I or he Must die! Which shall it be? Reply!