The God-Eater

THE GOD-EATER Criospa, Maurya. [The Scene ts an old Baronial Hall, elaborately, yet somewhat grotesquely (from the incongruity) fitted up as an antique Egyptian temple, C. an altar berween two obelisks; on it a censer vomits smoke in great volumes. Above at back of stage 1s a stately throne, square and simple, on steps. In it sits MAuRYA, quiet and silent. She is dressed in sombre green robes, lightened with old rose facings. She is heavily braceleted and ankleted with gold, and her crown is a gold disc supported in silver horns, rising from her forehead. Above her is a rude painted board, representing the Winged Globe in many colours. Before the altar Criospa is kneeling ; he is dressed in a white robe, a blue sash, a leopara’s skin is over his shoulders, clasped with a golden clasp about his neck. He bears an‘ ankh” in his left hand, in his right a caduceus wand. On his head ts the winged helmet of Mercury, and his sandals are winged also. He is muttering low some fervent prayer, and anon casts incense upon the censer. The low muttering continues for a considerable time, Maurya remaining quite still, as one rapt in her own thoughts. Suddenly, with startling vehemence, the song breaks out.|