TllK Y\'llOLE FEOI-LK (falling on their knees). Only thy blessing crave we, righteous lord ! MOLAY (turning to the people and fervently blessing them). The peace of God be with you ! ASTRALIS (crying out behind the scenes). Woo ! ah, woe ! [Movement among the people; all sjiring to their feet. MASY VOICES OK THE PEOPLE. The crazy hermit-maiden ! Keep her back ! ASTRALIS, tho Emissary of the Valley. (Dressed in penitential robe of yellow hair, girdl&l with a cord, and barefooted. Her hair streams wildly over her shoulders ; she carries in her hand a blood-red crucifix in the form of a sword, of justice, and shrieks out, as she rushes in, inspired with fwly frenzy, to the many who want to pursue and take hold of her,—in harrowing tones) Let no man touch me !—Sent I am and holy ! (Pointing to MOLAY and the KNIGHTS; addressing the people with wild exultant laughter.) See ye the flame-wreaths circling ronnd his head ? Hear yo tho air-borne vvailings, " Molay, Molay !" And fiery tongues leap o'er their mantles—Ho ! Hence, to the funeral-pile ! away, away ! [Exit. MOLAY (faith-inspired—after a pause, during which his by-standers, of whom but few stand proof under the trial of the Order, and the greater number of whom succumb to it, give vent, some to their hopes, and some to their doubts, but all, excepting the Presbyter carrying the Cross, to their terror). God is my refuge. (Takes the banner from the Standard-Bearer and delivers it to the Marshal, saying to him lowlly and firmly) Take the banner, Marshal ! I shall demand it back from thee unstained, As God will one day claim of thee thy soul ! ~oS TH I TEMPLARS IS CYPRUS. [ACT VI.