(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.
Thou hast all charms affection to inspire,— Heart warm with honesty and generous zeal; Brain strong to contrive, and mighty to reveal; Soul full of teeming virtues. All outflow, Blessings of peace and love to free bestow. Henceforth to guide us by thy loving arts, We crown thee sovereign in our heart of hearts.
DREAM-SPIRITS. ATTENDANTS. QUEEN MAB. RUBINA. GLORIA. _Bank._ INDUSTRY. SERENA. ART. R. PLENTY. MUSIC, L.
SERENA _sits on bank_, C., _facing audience, hands folded across her breast_. GLORIA _stands behind her, placing the crown upon her head_; INDUSTRY R. _of_ SERENA, _seated on bank, facing_ R., _distaff in her left hand resting against shoulder_; ART _in the same position_ L. _of_ SERENA, _facing_ L., _with palette in her left hand_; MUSIC _kneeling in front of_ ART, _facing audience, playing upon lyre_; PLENTY _kneeling on right knee, front of_ INDUSTRY, _outpouring her horn of plenty_; RUBINA L., _back, with her_ ATTENDANTS _grouped behind her_. QUEEN MAB _enters_ R., _with her_ DREAM-SPIRITS, _and group_ R., _back. Appropriate music: then chorus; air, Eichberg's "National Hymn."_
On thee, O Freedom, grand and great! In confidence we lean, Our land to bless, with fond caress Of happiness serene. To hail thy crowning, gentle Peace, Let music joyous soar; While harvests wave, and blessings lave Thy realm from shore to shore.
