Scene II.—Noon. A Glen on the highest skirts of the woody region of Etna.
EMPEDOCLES.PAUSANIAS.
PAUSANIAS.
The noon is hot. When we have crossed the stream,
We shall have left the woody tract, and come
Upon the open shoulder of the hill.
See how the giant spires of yellow bloom
Of the sun-loving gentian, in the heat,15
Are shining on those naked slopes like flame!
Let us rest here; and now, Empedocles,
Pantheia's history!
[A harp-note below is heard.
EMPEDOCLES.
Hark! what sound was that
Rose from below? If it were possible,
And we were not so far from human haunt,
I should have said that some one touched a harp.
Hark! there again!
PAUSANIAS.
'Tis the boy Callicles,
The sweetest harp-player in Catana.
He is forever coming on these hills,
In summer, to all country-festivals,
With a gay revelling band; he breaks from them
Sometimes, and wanders far among the glens.
But heed him not, he will not mount to us;
I spoke with him this morning. Once more, therefore,
Instruct me of Pantheia's story, master,
As I have prayed thee.
