ACT I.
SCENE I.—A long Perspective of the Suburbs of Orleans, terminating with the ancient City Gates— On one Side a Convent, the Windows of which are illuminated from within—The Stage is at first dark, which gives Effect to the Transparency of the Windows—As the Curtain rises slowly, the following choral Chaunt, accompanied by the Organ, is heard from the Interior of the Monastery.
Hear, while our choral numbers flow,
Hear! and avert the awful doom,
Which human frailty fears below,
When summon'd to the insatiate tomb.
The Monastery Gates open, and the Friars and Nuns enter in Procession, singing the following
CHORUS.
Now bolder raise the hallow'd strain,
While living worth we haste to meet,
Our King, victorious comes again,
Again our foes sustain defeat.
They cross to the opposite Side, and exeunt while singing.——As they go off, the Stage becomes lighter (descriptive Music) The Dawn reddens, and the Sun rises over the City; the Gates of which are thrown open, Hugo, with a Mob of Citizens, Soldiers, and Peasantry, come shouting down to the Front of the Stage, the Music ceases and Hugo speaks.
Hugo.