Merlin: Hold, sir, and wait heaven's time; the attempt's too dangerous.
There's not a tree in that enchanted grove,
But's numbered out, and given by tale to fiends;
And under every leaf a spirit couched.
But by what method to dissolve these charms,
Is yet unknown to me.

Aurelius: Hadst thou been here,—for what can thwart thy skill?—
Nor Emmeline had been the boast of Oswald,
Nor I, forewarned, been wanting to her guard.

Conon: Her darkened eyes had seen the light of heaven;
That was thy promise too, and this the time.

Merlin: Nor has my aid been absent, though unseen,
With friendly guides in your benighted maze:
Nor Emmeline shall longer want the sun.

Arthur: Is there an end of woes?

Merlin: There is, and sudden.
I have employed a subtle airy sprite
To explore the passage, and prepare my way.
Myself, mean time, will view the magic wood,
To learn whereon depends its force.

Dryden's King Arthur, Act III, Scene I