ACT TWO
Philidel, a repentant airy spirit, reports to Merlin that Grimbald is approaching and will attempt to mislead the conquering Britons to cliffs, where they will fall to their deaths, by telling them that they are pursuing the retreating Saxons. Merlin commands Philidel, assisted by his band of spirits, to protect the Britons and counter. Grimbald's forces. Exit Merlin in this chariot. Merlin's spirits stay with Philidel. Enter Grimbald in the habit of a shepherd, followed by King Arthur, Conon, Aurelius, Albanact and soldiers, who wander at a distance in the scenes.
PHILIDEL
Hither, this way, this way bend,
Trust not the malicious fiend.
Those are false deluding lights
Wafted far and near by sprites.
Trust 'em not, for they'll deceive ye,
And in bogs and marshes leave ye.
CHORUS OF PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS
Hither, this way, this way bend.
CHORUS OF GRIMBALD' S SPIRITS
This way, hither, this way bend.
PHILIDEL
If you step no longer thinking,
Down you fall, a furlong sinking.
'Tis a fiend who has annoy'd ye:
Name but Heav'n, and he'll avoid ye.
Hither, this way.
PHILIDEL' S SPIRITS
Hither, this way, this way bend.
GRIMBALD' S SPIRITS
This way, hither, this way bend.
PHILIDEL' S SPIRITS
Trust not the malicious fiend.
Hither, this way, etc.
Conon and Albanact are persuaded not to follow Grimbald any further, but Grimbald produces fresh footprints as proof that they are following the Saxons.
GRIMBALD
Let not a moon-born elf mislead ye
From your prey and from your glory;
To fear, alas, he has betray'd ye;
Follow the flames that wave before ye,
Sometimes sev'n, and sometimes one.
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.
Ritornello
GRIMBALD
See, see the footsteps plain appearing.
That way Oswald chose for flying.
Firm is the turf and fit for bearing,
Where yonder pearly dews are lying.
Far he cannot hence be gone.
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.
All are going to follow Grimbald.
Ritornello
PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS
Hither, this way, this way bend.
GRIMBALD' S SPIRITS
Hither, this way, this way bend.
PHILIDEL'S SPIRITS
Trust not that malicious fiend.
Hither, this way, etc.
They all incline to Philidel. Grimbald curses Philidel and sinks with a flash. Arthur gives thanks that the fiend has vanished.
PHILIDEL
Come, follow me.
SOLOS
Come, follow me,
And me, and me, and me, and me.
CHORUS
Come, follow me.
PHILIDEL, SOPRANO
And green-sward all your way shall be.
CHORUS
Come, follow me.
BASS
No goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.
CHORUS
No goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.
Ritornello
TWO SOPRANOS, TENOR
We brethren of air
You heroes will bear
To the kind and the fair that attend ye.
CHORUS
We brethren of air, etc.
Philidel and the spirits go off singing, with King Arthur and the rest in the middle of them. Enter Emmeline led by Matilda.
Pavilion Scene. Emmeline and Matilda discuss King Arthur. Matilda entreats Emmeline to forget her cares and let a group of Kentish lads and lasses entertain her while she awaits Arthur's return. Enter shepherds and shepherdesses.
SHEPHERD
How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses,
While drums and trumpets are sounding alarms.
Over our lowly sheds all the storm passes
And when we die, 'tis in each other's arms
All the day on our herds and flocks employing,
All the night on our flutes and in enjoying.
CHORUS
How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses, etc.
SHEPHERD
Bright nymphs of Britain with graces attended,
Let not your days without pleasure expire.
Honour's but empty, and when youth is ended,
All men will praise you but none will desire.
Let not youth fly away without contenting;
Age will come time enough for your repenting.
CHORUS
Bright nymphs of Britain with graces attended, etc.
Here the men offer their flutes to the women, which they refuse.
Symphony
TWO SHEPHERDESSES
Shepherd, shepherd, leave decoying:
Pipes are sweet on summer's day,
But a little after toying,
Women have the shot to pay.
Here are marriage-vows for signing:
Set their marks that cannot write.
After that, without repining,
Play, and welcome, day and night.
Here the women give the men contracts, which they accept.
CHORUS
Come, shepherds, lead up a lively measure
The cares of wedlock are cares of pleasure:
But whether marriage bring joy or sorrow.
Make sure of this day and hang tomorrow
Hornpipe
The dance after the song, and exeunt shepherds and shepherdesses.
Second Act Tune: Air
Emmeline and Matilda are captured by Oswald, who has refused to release them during a parley with Arthur. The Britons prepare to rescue Emmeline from the Saxon fortress.
