_Primeva._ On this we are agreed. Justicia, hear, And let your judgment be both wise and clear. Nature's own goddess, crowned and sceptred, I Stand forth all meaner powers to defy. I rule the field, the mount, the sky, the sea: Who shall presume in power to rival me? I wave my hand; and, o'er the barren waste, Upspringing flowers to meet my coming haste. I smile: the trees, o'erburdened with their fruit, Bend low, with blushing cheeks, for my salute. I speak: the bristling hillocks, far and near, Present in homage many an opening ear; The grand old mountains, stately and serene, Welcome my coming, own me as their queen; Adown their sides I loose the mimic streams, To sport and revel in the sun's warm beams. I rule the mighty sea by wave and tide; I deck with starry gems the heavens wide; I hurl the storm upon the maddening sea; The shifting winds, obedient, follow me; I bind the waters in an icy band, And spread a snowy pall o'er all the land; With all the elements I sport at will, And, fast or loose, all my commands fulfil. Fair genius, 'tis but just, that, so renowned, As empress of the world I should be crowned. _Justicia._ There's anger in thy speech, pride in thine eye; Ambition's soaring pinions lift thee high. What says your rival to this weighty claim? Can aught be found to heighten Genia's fame? _Genia._ Justicia, I a mightier sceptre sway, And make Primeva's realms but pave the way To grand achievements. Through her flowery field I drive the plough, and bounteous harvests yield; With skilful husbandry I trim and train, And bursting garners from wild growth obtain; Tunnel her mountains with resistless force, And make a pathway for the iron horse; Gird up her waters to obey my will, And move the strong arm of the whirring mill. Across her broad expanse, the mighty sea, My white-winged messengers move swift and free; From out their earthen graves I pluck the gems That warm and shape, or glow in diadems. In aërial flights I wander through her sphere, Or with rare science draw her planets near, With touch electric feel the farthest clime, And count the storm-specks on the wings of time. She empress of the world! it cannot be; All her possessions minister to me. Rough and ill-shaped the treasure she displays; I mould and carve, and make the jewel blaze. I claim the crown. Justicia, be thou true; She must be greatest who can all subdue. _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. _Genia._ We wait your verdict. _Primeva._ 'Twill give me the crown. _Genia._ Primeva, cease.