[Accepting the staff from Ariel, Miranda takes seat on the shrine, where the Muses range themselves about her.]
MIRANDA So! Be near us, Caliban.
CALIBAN [Moving to the shrine steps, speaks to Ariel.] What showest now?
ARIEL [At centre, before the curtains.] Now, in Time’s emblazoned tome Egypt, Greece, turn page for Rome.
CALIBAN [Mutters aloud.] Rome, ha! I’ll show you Rome!
ARIEL Rocked by mighty Cæsar’s fall Glooms the world in battle pall, Where by midnight, worn and spent, Weary Brutus, in his tent, Watches ’mid the Roman host. There the pallid Cæsar’s ghost Rises from his candle-flame Accusing.—Who shall bear that blame? Can Brutus wake a world from shame?
[Ariel disappears through the curtains. Miranda raises the staff.]
THIRD INNER SCENE
The Cloudy Curtains part, disclosing the tent of Brutus, by moonlight.