'Tis false! 'Twas I, Primeva, gave her fame. From heaven she came, to purify and bless; And Nature nurtured her with warm caress. _Genia._ 'Twas Art's rich culture trained her infant voice In grand, majestic numbers to rejoice. _Primeva._ Genia, no more; let Poesie decide Upon our claims. Her judgment we abide. _Genia._ I am content. _Poesie._ Of me, ye judgment seek? You, strong and mighty, I but poor and weak. _Primeva._ To save a sovereign title of command, Nature and Art in strife before you stand. In full accord our forces are combined For this great task,—to serve and bless mankind. Who is the greatest? Fearlessly proclaim. We ask your verdict in Justicia's name. Both have our powers skilfully unfurled; Who shall be crowned as empress of the world? _Poesie._ O spirits regal, beautiful, and wise! In unity supreme your glory lies; Can frail mortality presume to call Her judgment forth, to make you rise or fall? Fair Genia, through your realms of thought and light, I wander in a maze of grand delight; Behold mankind upspring in strength and grace, And sturdy tasks courageously embrace. As through your realms, Primeva, free I rove, My spirit glows with reverence and love. I see your earth, so wonderful and vast, Which proud man conquers, conquer him at last; And in both Art and Nature see the hand Which wields the sceptre of supreme command, Where each within my heart holds equal place, I could not elevate, would not abase. (_Joins their hands._) Together reign, and teach mankind the way To that grand realm, and that one sovereign sway. _Enter_ JUSTICIA, C. _Justicia._ A righteous verdict, which we joyous seal. Our tourney's ended: let the chorus peal. _Tableau_: JUSTICIA _on platform, with her hands raised in benediction over_ POESIE, _who stands before her, joining the hands of_ GENIA, L., _and_ PRIMEVA, R.; GENIA'S _followers on her_ L., PRIMEVA'S _followers on her_ R. _Chorus, same as opening chorus._ Idylcourt, in love and beauty, &c. (_Curtain._) NOTE.—The airs, "Shady Groves," and "Boatman's Song," can be found in "The Grammar School Chorus." The other airs are from the new "Fourth Music Reader," published by Ginn Brothers. Price, $1.50. Furnished by Lee and Shepard, Boston. A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. CHARACTERS.