_Music._ Hear her, fair goddess, and I joyous soar, Pæans of thankfulness and praise to pour In bounteous song. Thy proud and happy reign Shall be the burden of my glad refrain. Religion's anthems swell with large increase When Music rises at the call of Peace. _Serena._ Dost hear, my mistress? All the Graces meet In my behalf, thy favor to entreat. Grant me thy love, and beautiful and grand Shall be the labors of this gifted band. (_Enter_ RUBINA, R., _and her_ ATTENDANTS.) _Rubina._ Thou suest for love, Serena, all too late: Gloria has parted with her high estate. I sued for power, defied the royal frown, Played with bold hand, and won the regal crown. _Serena._ The crown upon thy head! Oh, bitter woe O'er a fair land relentlessly shall flow! Must I relinquish all my dreams of bliss? Do I deserve such recompense as this? _Rubina._ Check thy bold speech, Serena. Get thee hence! Thy piteous pleading is a rash offence Against our state. _Serena._ Rash Rubina, hold! Peace by thy sway can never be controlled. Thou hast usurped the guidance of a race Who shrink in terror from thy brazen face. Thou hast with treachery obtained a crown; Serena quails not at a wicked frown. Traitress— _Rubina._ Defied by thee! At once away! Rubina rules, and can relentless slay. Thy power is crushed: Serena now must cease The fickle glow of enervating peace. With all the sprites that compass thee about, From Freedom's realms I boldly drive thee out. War's mighty reign begins— (GLORIA _rises quickly, steps between, and snatches the crown from_ RUBINA'S _head_.) _Gloria._ False one, 'tis o'er! Flaunt thy fierce mien in our domain no more. Thy rude assaults of recklessness and pride, Fame, glory, and renown, in scorn deride. Thou hast no charms the noble to inthrall; No knightly hearts obey thy martial call When Conquest beckons. Here, within the realm, Be thou content to treason overwhelm With mighty force. Fate binds thee to our side; Henceforth thou watchful guard, and we will guide. (_Waves her hand_; RUBINA _and her_ ATTENDANTS _retire to back of stage_, L.; GLORIA _passes behind bank, and stands_.) By vision hath our sleep been girt about, And happy wake we, free from anxious doubt. Our choice 'twixt War and Peace we here reveal, And stamp the fiat with our royal seal. Approach, Serena! Love thou dost desire. (SERENA _stands near_ C.)