SCENE, _same as Act I. About half an hour before Sunset._ _VAVIR discovered sleeping at foot of Sun-dial. MELUSINE is kneeling. AMANTHIS is standing, leaning on dial. VAVIR’S head rests on pillows, and a cloak envelopes her._ _Am._ How peacefully she sleeps! Oh, Melusine, Can it be that this solemn death-like calm Is but the silent herald of the end? _Mel._ As she has lived, so will our darling die-- Gently and peacefully. This tranquil sleep May change to tranquil death, and give no sign. So will she pass away! _Am._ But see--she wakes: Would Heaven that we had fairer news for thee, My poor Vavir! _Vav._ (_awaking, and very feebly_). Thy face is very sad-- Are there no tidings of my sister? _Mel._ None! _Vav._ Dear Melusine, keep not the truth from me! Some fearful evil has befallen her-- Tell me the truth. See, I am stronger now. _Mel._ Nay, calm thyself, Vavir--save only that She has been sought, and has not yet been found, We have no truth to tell. _Vav._ How speeds the day? _Am._ Thy dial points to eight. _Vav._ One little hour, And then my Sun will set. Farewell, oh Sun! How gloriously he dies! _Mel._ The sun will sink, To rest throughout the night, as we shall rest, But not to die. _Vav._ To die as we should die: The night is given to the world that she May mourn her widowhood. _He_ knows no night, But journeys calmly on his heavenly path Wrapt in eternal light--in all, a type Of the excelling life we try to live-- Of the all-glorious death we hope to die! _Mel._ See, Vavir, see upon the Beacon-hill, Mousta, returning from his weary search-- _Vav._ Is he alone? _Mel._ Alas, my darling, yes! But still perchance he brings some news to us: I’ll go and meet him. Stay thou here, Vavir, And I will bring thee tidings. _Vav._ Be it so-- Be quick, be quick, dear Melusine--and then (_to both_) Go, seek Prince Florian--and say to him That I would fain have speech with him alone, If he will deign to grant me audience. [_Exeunt MELUSINE and AMANTHIS._ Another hour--and then, my Sun will set! Oh, Hilda--oh, my sister--come to me! _HILDA enters, veiled._ The loving day is drawing to a close: I dare not face the cold, black night alone! I want thine arms around me, and thy face Pressed once again on mine, before I die. Oh, Hilda--oh, my sister--come to me! _Hil._ (_unveiling, and kneeling_). Vavir! Fear nothing. I am here, my child. _Vav._ (_embracing her_). Hilda! My sister! Heaven is merciful! And thou art safe and well? _Hil._ Yes, safe and well.