A messenger announces the death of Margarita; Olybius rushes to kill him; but, recovering self-command— ——————————“Oh, I’m sick Of this accursed pomp: I will not use Its privilege of revenge. Fatal trappings Of proud authority! That * * * * * * * * shine and burn into the very entrails! Supremacy!! the great prerogative Of being blasted by superior misery!” A second messenger announces that “The enchantress Margarita, by her death, Hath wrought upon the changeful populace. That they cry loudly on the Christian’s God: Emboldened multitudes, from every quarter, Throng forth, and in the face of day proclaim Their lawless faith. They have taken up the body, And hither, as in proud ovation, bear it, With clamour and with song. All Antioch crowds Applauding round them.” We are favoured only with the song of the slaves, who, upon that holiday, intermingled in the throng about the palace of Olybius, to which the body of Margarita has been borne; by which we may perceive how Christianity has elevated them above thoughts of their condition: SONG OF THE SLAVES. Sing to the Lord! Oh, let us shout his praise! More lofty pæans let our masters raise. Midst clouds of golden light, a pathway clear, With soaring soul, these martyred saints have trod To Him, the only true Almighty God! Earth’s tumults wild and pagan darkness drear, To bonds of peace and songs of joy give way: Behold! we bring you light—one everlasting day! Sing to the Lord! No more shall frantic Sibyl’s yell, Watchful Augurs, or those of magic spell, No, not Isis, nor yet Apollo’s throne, No, nor even Death, with Lethean bands, Shall longer bind the soul; before us stands Him of the Cross of Calvary:—His groan Of death burst forth from its eternal womb, While angel spirits shout, and open wide the tomb! Sing to the Lord! The Temple’s veil is rent! From Moab’s plains, the Slave, an outcast, sent From this cold world shall, soaring, fly to heaven, From depths of Darkness, Night, and Orcus dread. Each spirit woke at the Eternal’s tread On the head of Death! a promise given To all Earth’s houseless, homeless, and forlorn, Before the Ages were—or His Eldest Son was born!