MAJESTA _stands_ C., _with left hand pointing up over audience_. POESIE, _kneeling_ R., _places her left hand in_ MAJESTA'S _left, and bends forward, intently gazing in the direction in which she points, her right hand behind her ear_. LOFTIE _passes to_ L. _of_ MAJESTA, _and kneels with her hand on the waist of_ MAJESTA. AERIE _in same position_, R. _of_ POESIE. OCEANA _and her sprites form a standing group_, R., _back_. PRIMEVA _steps back of all; and_ FLORA _and her sprites form standing group_, L., _back. Music continues until all arranged, then_,—
Amid the mountains fleeting, The echoes linger long, Earth's song of praise repeating, In chorus rich and strong. The grand old mountains proudly Their heads in beauty raise, And, bathed in blushing glory, Accept the song of praise.
[_The effect could be heightened by concealing a chorus at the farther end of the hall, and introducing an echo refrain in the song._]
_Poesie_ (_springing up; the others resuming their former positions_).
Upward, Majesta, guide my willing feet; I long to share the joys of your retreat.
_Primeva._ Curb your impatience once again, I crave. Speak, Oceana, guardian of the wave.
_Oceana._ Know me, fair maid, as guardian of the sea, The wealth of waters stretching far and free, Deep basined in the world; in peace as mild, As bright and beauteous, as a sportive child; Dancing in sunlight up and down the sand; Leaping, with white-capped waves, the rocky strand; Creeping to shady nooks on pebbly bed; Sleeping in moonlight 'neath a silvery spread. Over her rolling roads, in strength and pride, The floating treasure-chests of nations glide; In emerald pastures deep beneath her crest, The fin-clad wanderers from their gambols rest. At mankind's call she hastes to do her part, And from her herds bestows with generous heart. Far, far below, fair cities rear their walls With jewelled keeps, and coral-caverned halls. Come to my realms, fair maid, and float with me Upon the bosom of the swelling sea. Hark to the song of Naiads far below; See in the sunlight yonder billows glow.
OCEANA _kneels on one knee_ R. _of_ POESIE, _pointing off_ R. POESIE _places her left hand on_ OCEANA'S _shoulder, leans forward, shades her eyes with right hand, and looks in the direction of pointed hand_. SHELLIE _comes_ L. _of_ POESIE, _a little behind her, and kneels quickly, holding a shell in her hand_. WAVA _kneels in front of all, with her finger to her lip, and her hand waving silence to_ PRIMEVA, _who stands_ L. AERIE _and her sprites form a standing group_, L., _back, and_ MAJESTA _and her sprites the same_, R., _back; all looking in the direction in which_ OCEANA _points. Music continues until the picture is complete, then_,—