O divine earth, open and receive me into thy bosom!

[Exit [S']AKOONTALÁ weeping, with the PRIEST and the HERMITS. The KING remains absorbed in thinking of her, though the curse still clouds his recollection.

A VOICE BEHIND THE SCENES.

A miracle! a miracle!

KING.

[Listening.

What has happened now?

PRIEST. [Entering with an air of astonishment.

Great Prince, a stupendous prodigy has just occurred.

KING.