1896
PERSONS.
The Sinner .
The Ignoramus .
The Saint .
The Woman Worldly Wise .
The Hermit .
A Series of Dumb Shows .
Ballet Infernal .
A pool in the heart of the primeval forest. Close beside it, a human habitation — half lodge, half chapel. The pool is fed by a small stream which, rising high above, forms a waterfall over a ledge of rock; and it is emptied by means of a wider stream which flows into a lake lying many feet below. Close to the edge of the pool a flock of lambs are grazing, and two or three swans, with their young, float upon its surface. The spot is closed in by a chain of mountain-peaks pink in the latest moment of the sunset glow, and upon the lightly ruffled bosom of the pool itself one sees the dancing double of the evening star.
Present: the Saint and The Sinner . She is robed in a fluttering tissue of celestial blue; he is clad in penitential garb and reclines on a rustic couch beside which rests his harp; he has left some of his best years behind him, and his face shows the scars and flushes of a hundred strange sins.
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14 words
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1 sentence
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58 chars
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2 sentences
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204 chars
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29 words
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3 sentences
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5 words
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11 words
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4 words
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22 words
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4 words
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4 words
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5 words
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4 words
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8 words
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7 words
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4 words
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10 words
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44 chars
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12 words
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60 chars
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8 words
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1 sentence
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35 chars
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17 words
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2 sentences
using
88 chars
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11 words
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1 sentence
using
47 chars
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10 words
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1 sentence
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50 chars
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( with a start of joy ).
Contains
38 words
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4 sentences
using
214 chars
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[The Saint seats herself at her wheel and softly croons a little melody.]
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17 words
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2 sentences
using
80 chars
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2 words
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1 sentence
using
9 chars
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4 words
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1 sentence
using
15 chars
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24 words
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2 sentences
using
115 chars
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Contains
21 words
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using
98 chars
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Contains
29 words
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3 sentences
using
147 chars
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19 words
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2 sentences
using
92 chars
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15 words
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2 sentences
using
71 chars
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Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
76 chars
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Contains
31 words
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2 sentences
using
152 chars
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Contains
18 words
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1 sentence
using
84 chars
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4 words
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1 sentence
using
19 chars
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7 words
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1 sentence
using
33 chars
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5 words
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1 sentence
using
21 chars
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7 words
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1 sentence
using
34 chars
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13 words
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2 sentences
using
68 chars
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10 words
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1 sentence
using
48 chars
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Contains
34 words
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3 sentences
using
198 chars
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4 words
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1 sentence
using
23 chars
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Contains
46 words
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3 sentences
using
232 chars
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Contains
8 words
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2 sentences
using
39 chars
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Contains
39 words
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3 sentences
using
224 chars
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Contains
22 words
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3 sentences
using
98 chars
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2 words
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1 sentence
using
7 chars
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39 words
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2 sentences
using
214 chars
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2 words
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1 sentence
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8 chars
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17 words
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using
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[Nevertheless, the misty veil of the waterfall is parted and reveals a rocky recess behind it. The walls of this recess take upon themselves the semblance of a subterranean dungeon; a rack is visible, and close beside it a figure like that of the Sinner himself directs the horrible procedure of the torture-chamber. At the same time a wild cry is heard.]
( starting ).
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34 words
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5 sentences
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165 chars
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2 sentences
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28 words
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2 words
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[Notwithstanding this, the veil of the waterfall parts a second time and reveals a shipwreck festering on a wide waste of stagnant waters. Two living figures struggle feebly for the last crumb of bread and the last drop of water. One of them, in the likeness of the Sinner himself, stabs the other and pushes his body overboard into the sea.]
( groaning deeply, after having cast a sidelong glance in the direction of the waterfall ).
Contains
7 words
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3 sentences
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30 chars
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10 words
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2 sentences
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49 chars
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Contains
43 words
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4 sentences
using
220 chars
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2 words
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1 sentence
using
8 chars
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17 words
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2 sentences
using
74 chars
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[But his silence does not prevent the parting of the watery veil for yet a third time. There appears the street of a city given over to sack and slaughter. A frenzied figure, like that of the Sinner's self, rushes hither and thither with a dripping sword, and the pavement is red with the blood of defenseless women and of suckling infants. Again a cry is heard — louder and more piercing.]
( placing himself between the Saint and the waterfall ).
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4 words
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3 sentences
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25 chars
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19 words
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2 sentences
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101 chars
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[He rises with a sudden start. But his wound breaks out afresh and his bandages are dyed with blood. He sinks back panting.]
Contains
8 words
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3 sentences
using
39 chars
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29 words
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4 sentences
using
157 chars
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Contains
37 words
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4 sentences
using
189 chars
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6 words
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using
29 chars
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16 words
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2 sentences
using
76 chars
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[Yet the merciless veil of the waterfall parts for a fourth time. It reveals an orgy in a vast and splendid banquet hall. A figure like that of the Sinner forms the center of the revel; one arm holds aloft a wine-cup; the other encircles a jeweled wanton's waist.]
Contains
4 words
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1 sentence
using
19 chars
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[The Woman Worldly Wise advances from the edge of the darkening forest.]
( groaning in anguish alike of body and of spirit ).
Contains
2 words
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1 sentence
using
7 chars
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Contains
32 words
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4 sentences
using
165 chars
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1 word
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1 sentence
using
4 chars
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16 words
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2 sentences
using
84 chars
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14 words
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3 sentences
using
74 chars
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Contains
34 words
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5 sentences
using
196 chars
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Contains
19 words
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2 sentences
using
111 chars
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6 words
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3 sentences
using
33 chars
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Contains
20 words
in
2 sentences
using
82 chars
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[The Saint , despite herself, turns her eyes toward the waterfall, which she contemplates long and earnestly with an expression of puzzled questioning.]
Contains
21 words
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2 sentences
using
106 chars
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5 words
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1 sentence
using
28 chars
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( with his hand on his wound, yet in a tone of triumph ).
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14 words
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3 sentences
using
75 chars
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( to the Saint ).
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26 words
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2 sentences
using
137 chars
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( with her hand upon the rope of her bell ).
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27 words
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1 sentence
using
130 chars
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19 words
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4 sentences
using
105 chars
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[The Hermit emerges from the forest and advances slowly, leaning on his staff.]
Contains
11 words
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1 sentence
using
49 chars
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Contains
11 words
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1 sentence
using
53 chars
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Contains
39 words
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5 sentences
using
205 chars
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27 words
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3 sentences
using
142 chars
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5 words
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1 sentence
using
38 chars
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16 words
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1 sentence
using
89 chars
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35 words
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4 sentences
using
191 chars
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11 words
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2 sentences
using
55 chars
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[The early moon has risen. Its beams lie slantingly upon the waterfall and weave a rainbow from its spray. The swans have sought their beds along the sedgy shores of the pool, and the lambs are folded in the shelter of a wide-spreading tree.
Suddenly the Ignoramus , holding a half-tamed lion in leash, comes bounding down the mountain-side. In his belt he carries a knife and a flower indescribably brilliant and pungent. He stands regarding the group before him with an expression of vacant good-nature.]
Contains
4 words
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1 sentence
using
18 chars
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3 sentences
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( fretfully ).
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25 words
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2 sentences
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( to the Ignoramus , toward whom he extends the harp ).
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5 words
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2 sentences
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2 sentences
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[The Ignoramus snatches the harp with a glad curiosity. Within a moment he has snapped its strings, crushed its frame, and has thrown its fragments, with a chuckle of fond delight and of challenged approval, upon the ground.]
Contains
4 words
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1 sentence
using
13 chars
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24 words
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2 sentences
using
122 chars
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2 words
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1 sentence
using
10 chars
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Contains
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5 sentences
using
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( groaning in pain and vexation ).
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9 words
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3 sentences
using
108 chars
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3 words
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2 sentences
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( pointing to the Saint ).
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3 words
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1 sentence
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16 chars
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6 words
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2 sentences
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35 chars
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15 words
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3 sentences
using
87 chars
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Contains
35 words
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3 sentences
using
193 chars
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[The Ignoramus , who has been standing in smiling doubt, suddenly draws his knife, seizes one of the lambs, slits its throat, and throws its body to the lion. The lion retires with its booty within the dark edge of the wood.]
( with a faint cry ).
Contains
2 words
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1 sentence
using
8 chars
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( with a shout of helpless rage ).
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11 words
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3 sentences
using
56 chars
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Contains
23 words
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4 sentences
using
108 chars
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25 words
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3 sentences
using
128 chars
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6 words
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1 sentence
using
25 chars
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4 words
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1 sentence
using
17 chars
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20 words
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4 sentences
using
95 chars
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5 words
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1 sentence
using
25 chars
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4 words
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1 sentence
using
24 chars
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Contains
39 words
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5 sentences
using
201 chars
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Ballet . — The veil of the waterfall parts once more and shows the cavern aflame with an unearthly light and a-swarm with many madly-swirling figures. Lines of staggering bacchantes weave to and fro, to the piercing notes of reeds and viols and to the delicate tingle and clang of brasses. — A vast burning heart bursts asunder, and Temptation herself, robed in clamorous scarlet and crowned with flaring flames, comes whirling to the fore.]
( to the Sinner ).
Contains
4 words
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1 sentence
using
14 chars
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Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
92 chars
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Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
62 chars
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[The Hermit , meanwhile, sunk on his knees and with his hands pressed against his eyes, tremblingly strives to stammer out a prayer. The Ignoramus , starting forward with a fierce joy dawning upon his face, emits inarticulate cries of rapture at the spectacle, and in anticipation of other spectacles yet to succeed. The Saint glances from one to another of the group with an air of plaintive questioning.]
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
40 chars
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[The plants that fringe and frame the waterfall now expand into gigantic blooms of amazing brilliancy; their crinkled edges flame with hell-fire. Within the cavern, bands of fauns and satyrs, accompanied by bassoons and cymbals, sweep in giddy circles round a whited sepulcher. The sepulcher is suddenly rent in twain, and Perdition , powdered with gold and clad in voluminous swirls of floating black gauze, comes reeling through their ranks. Her eyes flash and scintillate with exultant terrors; and The Hermit , trembling in every limb, falls half prostrate on the ground, while the Ignoramus , with a wild shout of rapture, snatches the blossom from his belt and throws it at her feet.]
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
106 chars
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5 words
in
1 sentence
using
23 chars
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11 words
in
2 sentences
using
52 chars
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10 words
in
3 sentences
using
46 chars
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[Pas de Deux. — Through the floor rise Ruination and Damnation (a man among women) decked in desperate convolutions of red and black and yellow. They swirl and swing and swoon, before a shifting array of imps and devils. A fierce light beats upon their gyrations, but the throne behind them still remains in shadow.]
Contains
8 words
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1 sentence
using
40 chars
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19 words
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2 sentences
using
96 chars
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6 words
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2 sentences
using
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[Pas Seul by the prima assoluta, Torment-Everlasting . She is clothed in the coruscations of clear combustion, all crisp and crinkling and crimson. To the screams of violins, the shrieks of trumpets and the shivers of drums she trips and twists with an unconquerable and inexhaustible agility through ranks and rows of quivering flames; her limbs are distorted by tendons racked and strained, and her face is wreathed with an endless succession of agonizing smiles. The Hermit , with his hands writhing in a locked twist, lies prostrate upon the chapel steps, while the Ignoramus is seen madly floundering through the pool toward the cavern.]
Contains
9 words
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1 sentence
using
42 chars
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Contains
8 words
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1 sentence
using
34 chars
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[The inner stage is invaded by a flood of nymphs, sirens, bacchantes, satyrs, amoretti, imps and demons. They presently flow to right and left in two great waves, and leave an open way up to the steps that rise to the canopied seat.]
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
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Contains
17 words
in
4 sentences
using
84 chars
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2 words
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
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( now standing close beside the Saint ).
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
24 chars
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( to the Saint ).
Contains
20 words
in
3 sentences
using
99 chars
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Contains
32 words
in
2 sentences
using
164 chars
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Contains
37 words
in
4 sentences
using
190 chars
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6 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
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4 words
in
2 sentences
using
19 chars
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Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
87 chars
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Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
70 chars
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[The throne is suddenly illumined. It is empty. The Woman , with a shriek of rage and mortification, falls half fainting to the ground.]
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
83 chars
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[She rings it. The throng within the cavern vanishes. The rainbow again spans the waterfall, and in its spray the Ignoramus , beslimed with mud and torn by the jagged rocks, is seen in a gasping struggle for his life.]
( taking the hand of the Saint ).
Contains
44 words
in
4 sentences
using
231 chars
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Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
39 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
25 chars
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( rising on his elbows ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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( struggling to her feet ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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( in a vain repetition, as he drags himself to land ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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Contains
26 words
in
3 sentences
using
149 chars
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Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
119 chars
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( to the Saint ).
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
65 chars
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Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
3 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
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Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
20 chars
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Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
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Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
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Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
63 chars
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Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
67 chars
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( with a flush ).
Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
73 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
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[They pass over on the rainbow and take in the moonlight the upward path. The Three who remain behind slink back with downcast mien into the dark forest.]