The Rosicrucians

THE ROSICRUCIANS,

Who, carrying sparrowhawks original: "éperviers"; these small birds of prey were traditionally used by the nobility for hunting smaller birds like quails or larks upon their fists,
Release these warrior-birds into flight.
Each one takes wing, and with a rapid wing
Pursues from afar either the timid quail,
Or the lark of the morning concerts
Whom fear leads astray in the air:
He seizes it, hears the cry of joy,
Toward his mistress he flies back uncertainly,
And generous with regret, into her hand
Drops the quivering prey.
But pity, which of a charming sex
Is the truest, the most noble ornament,
Already pronounces a furtive pardon;
And the lark, captive for but a single moment,
Finds once again its sweet liberty,
Its azure sky, its plaintive companion,
And the brilliant gaiety of its song.
In the disorder and noise of the hunt
Love seizes a few happy moments.
Near Edgitha, Roger finally takes his place.
He asks for the bonds of a prompt marriage hymen: a poetic term for marriage, named after the Greek god of wedding ceremonies.
It is with regret that Edgitha defers them;