Now let this mortal’s vision mark
Amidst that scene the corsair’s bark,
Clearing the port with swan-like pride;
Transparent make the black hull’s side,
And show the curtain’d cabin, where
Of earth’s fair daughters the most fair—
Sits like an image of despair,
Mortal, behold! thy Nisida is there!”
The strange phantasmagorian spectacle rapidly developed itself in obedience to the commands of the demon.
First, it appeared to Wagner that the supernatural luster which pervaded the dungeon, gathered like a curtain on one side and occupied the place of the wall. This wondrous light became transparent, like a thin golden mist; and then the distant city of Leghorn appeared—producing an effect similar to that of the dissolving views now familiar to every one. The morning sun shone brightly on the fair scene; and a forest of masts stood out in bold relief against the western sky. The gilded lanterns on the poops of the vessels—the flags and streamers of various hues—the white sails of those ships that were preparing for sea—and the richly painted pinnaces that were shooting along in the channel between the larger craft rendered the scene surpassingly gay and beautiful.