r. All powers of good surround her and drive evil away.
But list! Some faint call sounds on my ear.

_Second Brother._ Yes, I hear it now. What should it be?

_Elder Brother._ Either some one lost in this wood, like ourselves, or
else some roving woodman, or perhaps some robber calling to his fellows!

_Second Brother._ God save my sister!

_Elder Brother._ Who comes here? Speak! Advance no further!

_Spirit_ (_as a shepherd_). What voice is that? Speak once again.

_Second Brother._ O brother! 'tis my father's shepherd, sure.

_Elder Brother._ Are you Thyrsis? How could you find this dark,
secluded spot? Why did you come?

_Spirit._ To find out you. But where is your lovely sister? Why is she
not with you?

_Elder Brother._ Without our fault we lost her as we came.

_Spirit._ Alas, then my fears are true!

_Elder Brother._ What fears, good Thyrsis?

_Spirit._ I have long known that this wood was held in the power of an
evil spirit, and this evening as I sat me down upon a bank I heard most
lovely strains as if an angel sang. Listening, I knew it was your
sister's voice. I hastened to her and heard her tell Comus of you whom
she had lost. To you I came that we may save her from the evil spirit of
the wood.

_Elder Brother._ Let us hasten to attack him with our swords.

_Spirit._ Alas! Your bravery I praise, but it is vain. The evil charm
of Comus can be broken only by a wondrous plant. See, I have it here.
With this will we overcome his fairy spells.

_Elder Brother._ Thyrsis, lead on! And some good angel bear a shield
before us!

SCENE III.--_The Palace of Comus_

_Comus._ Drink, Lady, of the wine. You are faint and weary, and this
will refresh you. Do not refuse!

_Lady Alice._ Never will I drink the potion in that glass. You may
control the body, but my free mind you can never bind.

_Comus._ Why are you angry, Lady? Here is a place filled with all
delight.

_Lady Alice._ Is this the cottage you told me of, the place of safety
where I could rest. None but good men can offer good things. I will
never drink what you offer. What monsters are these? I pray Heaven guard
me!

[Illustration]

_Comus._ Dear Lady, stay with me and be my queen. Here may you reign
over all my kingdom. See what royal robes are mine, what jewels, what
costly tables and shining gold and silver. No sorrow shall you know,
but only joy and pleasure.

_Lady Alice._ Cease your words. You cannot move the mind guided by
h