Scene Fourth

Scene Fourth.—Hildebrand’s Camp before Ida’s Castle.EnterHildebrandandGama.Hilde.The Princess Ida still holds out, althoughOur camp is fairly pitched before her walls.King Gama, if Hilarion comes not backAll safe and sound, you’ll surely suffer death!Your head for his!Gama.The stakes are poorly matched:It’s Lombard Street against a China orange!Hilde.In the mean time, pray make yourself at home,Direct my army as it were your own.On every matter that concerns the state,Your orders give;—they will not be obeyed,But that don’t matter!Gama.Don’t it?Hilde.Not a jot!The ecstasy of absolute commandIs seriously dashed when you reflect,That for all consequences that ensue,You by the world are held responsible!But here, where all are bound to hear your wordWith every outward token of respect,They systematically disobey it,Your power of high command is just as great,The consequences absolutelynil.EnterAtho.Atho.My liege, three gentlemen await without,Attended by a troop of soldiery. (Gives note).Gama.(reads). “The Princes Arac, Guron, Scynthius,King Gama’s sons, desire that you will setTheir father free.” (ToAtho.) Admit these gentlemen.[ExitAtho.My sons! That’s brave!EnterArac,Scynthius, andGuron.Hilde.What would you, gentlemen?Arac.What would we? Why look you, King Hildebrand—You hold our father in unkingly bonds,Our sister you beleaguer in her home,You threaten to lay waste our richest lands,And then you coolly ask us, “What would we?”Guron.We come to claim our father at your hands.Scynthius.We come to save our sister Ida fromThe rude assault of savage soldiery.Why they are girls—mere girls—and should be stormedAs other girls are stormed, if stormed at all!Hilde.As other girls are stormed so shall they be;We’ll use no cannon, bayonet, or sword,For such ungentlemanly arguments—Convincing though they be—would but convinceThese women ’gainst their will! We’ll witch them forthWith love songs, odes, and idle fripperies,Such as a woman can not long withstand.Stay, you shall see—EnterAtho.Atho.All is prepared, my liegeTo storm the walls—Hilde.Then let the siege commence!EnterFirst Officer.Who leads the serenading party, eh?First Officer.Sir Michael Costa—Hilde.Good! the light guitarsFall in at six—the King’s own baritones,Led by Sir Santley—First Officer.He’s not knighted, sir!Hilde.He shall be, then—they will parade at five.[ExitFirst Officer.EnterSecond Officer.Second Officer.Who leads the scaling party, sir?Hilde.Of courseThe first light tenors—they can highest go.[ExitSecond Officer.Atho.And who shall first climb up the outer wall,And reconnoiter what goes on within?Hilde.Some tenor, fool, who can “go up to see!”[ExitAtho.Let all be furnished with their photographs,And scatter them among these amazons.Bid the director of the poets directAnd post five hundred valentines, and seeThey get them by to-night’s delivery.Go, tell the gallant lady, who commandsThe horse brigade of royal milliners,To place five hundred toilet tables outWithin full view of Princess Ida’s walls.Upon them place five hundred mirrors—thenLay out five hundred robes of French design;And if they still hold out they’re more than women![ExeuntOfficers,Gama,Arac,Scynthius, andGuron.King.If all this fails, I have a deadlier scheme,Five hundred waltzing bachelors—tried men,Who can waltz forwards—backwards—anyhow—Shall twirl and twist before their dazzled eyes,Thrumming soft music on a light guitar.Song—King Hildebrand, Air, “Largo al Factotum.”Like a teetotum with a guitar—Just so!La, la, la, la!Bachelors spin at ’em thus from afar—Just so!La, la, la, la!Oh, tickle their vanity;Oh, never be chary,Oh, flatter your fairy,Ever unwary,Tickle it, ah!Bravo bravissimo,Generalissimo.Serve her it, ah!Flatter her beauty,With an acute eye,Say it’s your duty,Call her a star!Sneer at another,Coddle her mother,Butter her brother,Ever so far!La, la, la, la!Load her with frippery,Glovery, slippery,Cleverly planned, no going too far!Marabout feather,Gossamer airy,Fastened together,Give to your fairy.La, la, la, la!Oh, tickle her vanity,Oh, never be chary,Oh, flatter your fairy,Ever unwary,Tickle it, ah!Marry her merrily,Change it all, verily;Snapping and wrangling,Jingling and jangling,Snarling and snapping,Rubbing and rapping.“Why are you mum to me?“Why don’t you come to me?“Why are you mum to me?“Why don’t you come to me?“Quicker, oh! quicker, oh! quicker, oh!”My goodness! my gracious!A row, sir!Pucker your brow, sir,Pucker it, ah!Pucker it, ah!Lick her, oh, no more!Quicker, oh, “The door!”Set it ajar!Light a cigar!Set it ajar!Light a cigar!Giveher a sou!Bid her adoo!Give her a sou!Bid her adoo!Bravo bravissimo,Finish your capering.Like a teetotumWith a guitar!With a guitar!With a guitar!Bravo bravissimo,Generalissimo!Take her and marry her,Worry her, harry her;Oh, you may carry herEver so far!Just like a teetotumWith a guitar!EnterAtho.Atho.My liege, I bring good news, your plan succeeds.Three ladies of the Princess Ida’s bandAre coming towards your camp.Hilde.The mirrors did it!Admit them.EnterHilarion,CyrilandFlorian, still in women’s clothes.Why—Hilarion! Cyril too!And Florian! dressed as women. Ho! ho! ho! (all jeer them).Hilar.We gained admission to fair Ida’s halls,By this disguise—We were detected though,And should have suffered death, but that she knew,In killing us, she killed her father too!Gama.(in high glee). Here, set me free! Hilarion safe again—Is this indeed Hilarion?Hilar.Yes it is—Gama.Why you look handsome in your women’s clothes,Stick to ’em—man’s attire becomes you not!(toFlorianandCyril) And you, young ladies, will you please to pray,King Hildebrand to set me free again?Hang on his neck and gaze into his eyes,Bring all your woman’s wiles to bear on him.He never could resist a pretty face!Cyril.You dog! Though I wear woman’s garb, you’ll findMy sword is long and sharp.Gama.Hush, pretty one!Here’s a virago! Here’s a termagant!If length and sharpness go for any thing,You’ll want no sword while you can wag your tongue.Flori.What need to talk of swords to such as he?He’s old and crippled—(toGama) Oh, if you were young,And tolerably straight—and I could catchYou all alone, I’d—Ah!Gama.(bashfully).Oh, go along,You naughty girl—why, I’m a married man!But I’ve three sons—see, ladies—here they are—Fine fellows—young and muscular and brave.They’ll meet you, if you will. Come, what d’ye say?Arac.Ay, pretty ones, engage yourselves with us,If three rude warriors who have spent their livesHacking at enemies, affright you not!Hilar.(toGama). Old as you are, I’d wring your shriveled neckIf you were not the Princess Ida’s father!Gama.If I were not the Princess Ida’s father,And so had not her brothers for my sons,No doubt you’d wring my neck—in safety too!Hilar.Enough! I speak for Florian and Cyril.Arac, we take your challenge—three to three—So that it’s understood that Ida’s handDepends upon the issue.Arac.There’s my hand;If she consents not—sister though she beWe’ll raze her castle to the very ground![Exeunt.

Scene Fourth.—Hildebrand’s Camp before Ida’s Castle.

EnterHildebrandandGama.

Hilde.The Princess Ida still holds out, althoughOur camp is fairly pitched before her walls.King Gama, if Hilarion comes not backAll safe and sound, you’ll surely suffer death!Your head for his!

Hilde.The Princess Ida still holds out, although

Our camp is fairly pitched before her walls.

King Gama, if Hilarion comes not back

All safe and sound, you’ll surely suffer death!

Your head for his!

Gama.The stakes are poorly matched:It’s Lombard Street against a China orange!

Gama.The stakes are poorly matched:

It’s Lombard Street against a China orange!

Hilde.In the mean time, pray make yourself at home,Direct my army as it were your own.On every matter that concerns the state,Your orders give;—they will not be obeyed,But that don’t matter!

Hilde.In the mean time, pray make yourself at home,

Direct my army as it were your own.

On every matter that concerns the state,

Your orders give;—they will not be obeyed,

But that don’t matter!

Gama.Don’t it?

Hilde.Not a jot!The ecstasy of absolute commandIs seriously dashed when you reflect,That for all consequences that ensue,You by the world are held responsible!But here, where all are bound to hear your wordWith every outward token of respect,They systematically disobey it,Your power of high command is just as great,The consequences absolutelynil.

Hilde.Not a jot!

The ecstasy of absolute command

Is seriously dashed when you reflect,

That for all consequences that ensue,

You by the world are held responsible!

But here, where all are bound to hear your word

With every outward token of respect,

They systematically disobey it,

Your power of high command is just as great,

The consequences absolutelynil.

EnterAtho.

Atho.My liege, three gentlemen await without,Attended by a troop of soldiery. (Gives note).

Atho.My liege, three gentlemen await without,

Attended by a troop of soldiery. (Gives note).

Gama.(reads). “The Princes Arac, Guron, Scynthius,King Gama’s sons, desire that you will setTheir father free.” (ToAtho.) Admit these gentlemen.[ExitAtho.My sons! That’s brave!

Gama.(reads). “The Princes Arac, Guron, Scynthius,

King Gama’s sons, desire that you will set

Their father free.” (ToAtho.) Admit these gentlemen.

[ExitAtho.

My sons! That’s brave!

EnterArac,Scynthius, andGuron.

Hilde.What would you, gentlemen?

Arac.What would we? Why look you, King Hildebrand—You hold our father in unkingly bonds,Our sister you beleaguer in her home,You threaten to lay waste our richest lands,And then you coolly ask us, “What would we?”

Arac.What would we? Why look you, King Hildebrand—

You hold our father in unkingly bonds,

Our sister you beleaguer in her home,

You threaten to lay waste our richest lands,

And then you coolly ask us, “What would we?”

Guron.We come to claim our father at your hands.

Scynthius.We come to save our sister Ida fromThe rude assault of savage soldiery.Why they are girls—mere girls—and should be stormedAs other girls are stormed, if stormed at all!

Scynthius.We come to save our sister Ida from

The rude assault of savage soldiery.

Why they are girls—mere girls—and should be stormed

As other girls are stormed, if stormed at all!

Hilde.As other girls are stormed so shall they be;We’ll use no cannon, bayonet, or sword,For such ungentlemanly arguments—Convincing though they be—would but convinceThese women ’gainst their will! We’ll witch them forthWith love songs, odes, and idle fripperies,Such as a woman can not long withstand.Stay, you shall see—

Hilde.As other girls are stormed so shall they be;

We’ll use no cannon, bayonet, or sword,

For such ungentlemanly arguments—

Convincing though they be—would but convince

These women ’gainst their will! We’ll witch them forth

With love songs, odes, and idle fripperies,

Such as a woman can not long withstand.

Stay, you shall see—

EnterAtho.

Atho.All is prepared, my liegeTo storm the walls—

Atho.All is prepared, my liege

To storm the walls—

Hilde.Then let the siege commence!

EnterFirst Officer.

Who leads the serenading party, eh?

First Officer.Sir Michael Costa—

Hilde.Good! the light guitarsFall in at six—the King’s own baritones,Led by Sir Santley—

Hilde.Good! the light guitars

Fall in at six—the King’s own baritones,

Led by Sir Santley—

First Officer.He’s not knighted, sir!

Hilde.He shall be, then—they will parade at five.[ExitFirst Officer.

Hilde.He shall be, then—they will parade at five.

[ExitFirst Officer.

EnterSecond Officer.

Second Officer.Who leads the scaling party, sir?

Hilde.Of courseThe first light tenors—they can highest go.[ExitSecond Officer.

Hilde.Of course

The first light tenors—they can highest go.

[ExitSecond Officer.

Atho.And who shall first climb up the outer wall,And reconnoiter what goes on within?

Atho.And who shall first climb up the outer wall,

And reconnoiter what goes on within?

Hilde.Some tenor, fool, who can “go up to see!”[ExitAtho.Let all be furnished with their photographs,And scatter them among these amazons.Bid the director of the poets directAnd post five hundred valentines, and seeThey get them by to-night’s delivery.Go, tell the gallant lady, who commandsThe horse brigade of royal milliners,To place five hundred toilet tables outWithin full view of Princess Ida’s walls.Upon them place five hundred mirrors—thenLay out five hundred robes of French design;And if they still hold out they’re more than women![ExeuntOfficers,Gama,Arac,Scynthius, andGuron.

Hilde.Some tenor, fool, who can “go up to see!”

[ExitAtho.

Let all be furnished with their photographs,

And scatter them among these amazons.

Bid the director of the poets direct

And post five hundred valentines, and see

They get them by to-night’s delivery.

Go, tell the gallant lady, who commands

The horse brigade of royal milliners,

To place five hundred toilet tables out

Within full view of Princess Ida’s walls.

Upon them place five hundred mirrors—then

Lay out five hundred robes of French design;

And if they still hold out they’re more than women!

[ExeuntOfficers,Gama,Arac,Scynthius, andGuron.

King.If all this fails, I have a deadlier scheme,Five hundred waltzing bachelors—tried men,Who can waltz forwards—backwards—anyhow—Shall twirl and twist before their dazzled eyes,Thrumming soft music on a light guitar.

King.If all this fails, I have a deadlier scheme,

Five hundred waltzing bachelors—tried men,

Who can waltz forwards—backwards—anyhow—

Shall twirl and twist before their dazzled eyes,

Thrumming soft music on a light guitar.

Song—King Hildebrand, Air, “Largo al Factotum.”

Like a teetotum with a guitar—Just so!La, la, la, la!Bachelors spin at ’em thus from afar—Just so!La, la, la, la!Oh, tickle their vanity;Oh, never be chary,Oh, flatter your fairy,Ever unwary,Tickle it, ah!Bravo bravissimo,Generalissimo.Serve her it, ah!Flatter her beauty,With an acute eye,Say it’s your duty,Call her a star!Sneer at another,Coddle her mother,Butter her brother,Ever so far!La, la, la, la!Load her with frippery,Glovery, slippery,Cleverly planned, no going too far!Marabout feather,Gossamer airy,Fastened together,Give to your fairy.La, la, la, la!Oh, tickle her vanity,Oh, never be chary,Oh, flatter your fairy,Ever unwary,Tickle it, ah!Marry her merrily,Change it all, verily;Snapping and wrangling,Jingling and jangling,Snarling and snapping,Rubbing and rapping.“Why are you mum to me?“Why don’t you come to me?“Why are you mum to me?“Why don’t you come to me?“Quicker, oh! quicker, oh! quicker, oh!”My goodness! my gracious!A row, sir!Pucker your brow, sir,Pucker it, ah!Pucker it, ah!Lick her, oh, no more!Quicker, oh, “The door!”Set it ajar!Light a cigar!Set it ajar!Light a cigar!Giveher a sou!Bid her adoo!Give her a sou!Bid her adoo!Bravo bravissimo,Finish your capering.Like a teetotumWith a guitar!With a guitar!With a guitar!Bravo bravissimo,Generalissimo!Take her and marry her,Worry her, harry her;Oh, you may carry herEver so far!Just like a teetotumWith a guitar!

Like a teetotum with a guitar—

Just so!

La, la, la, la!

Bachelors spin at ’em thus from afar—

Just so!

La, la, la, la!

Oh, tickle their vanity;

Oh, never be chary,

Oh, flatter your fairy,

Ever unwary,

Tickle it, ah!

Bravo bravissimo,

Generalissimo.

Serve her it, ah!

Flatter her beauty,

With an acute eye,

Say it’s your duty,

Call her a star!

Sneer at another,

Coddle her mother,

Butter her brother,

Ever so far!

La, la, la, la!

Load her with frippery,

Glovery, slippery,

Cleverly planned, no going too far!

Marabout feather,

Gossamer airy,

Fastened together,

Give to your fairy.

La, la, la, la!

Oh, tickle her vanity,

Oh, never be chary,

Oh, flatter your fairy,

Ever unwary,

Tickle it, ah!

Marry her merrily,

Change it all, verily;

Snapping and wrangling,

Jingling and jangling,

Snarling and snapping,

Rubbing and rapping.

“Why are you mum to me?

“Why don’t you come to me?

“Why are you mum to me?

“Why don’t you come to me?

“Quicker, oh! quicker, oh! quicker, oh!”

My goodness! my gracious!

A row, sir!

Pucker your brow, sir,

Pucker it, ah!

Lick her, oh, no more!

Quicker, oh, “The door!”

Set it ajar!

Light a cigar!

Set it ajar!

Light a cigar!

Giveher a sou!

Bid her adoo!

Give her a sou!

Bid her adoo!

Bravo bravissimo,

Finish your capering.

Like a teetotum

With a guitar!

Bravo bravissimo,

Generalissimo!

Take her and marry her,

Worry her, harry her;

Oh, you may carry her

Ever so far!

Just like a teetotum

With a guitar!

EnterAtho.

Atho.My liege, I bring good news, your plan succeeds.Three ladies of the Princess Ida’s bandAre coming towards your camp.

Atho.My liege, I bring good news, your plan succeeds.

Three ladies of the Princess Ida’s band

Are coming towards your camp.

Hilde.The mirrors did it!Admit them.

Hilde.The mirrors did it!

Admit them.

EnterHilarion,CyrilandFlorian, still in women’s clothes.

Why—Hilarion! Cyril too!And Florian! dressed as women. Ho! ho! ho! (all jeer them).

Why—Hilarion! Cyril too!

And Florian! dressed as women. Ho! ho! ho! (all jeer them).

Hilar.We gained admission to fair Ida’s halls,By this disguise—We were detected though,And should have suffered death, but that she knew,In killing us, she killed her father too!

Hilar.We gained admission to fair Ida’s halls,

By this disguise—We were detected though,

And should have suffered death, but that she knew,

In killing us, she killed her father too!

Gama.(in high glee). Here, set me free! Hilarion safe again—Is this indeed Hilarion?

Gama.(in high glee). Here, set me free! Hilarion safe again—

Is this indeed Hilarion?

Hilar.Yes it is—

Gama.Why you look handsome in your women’s clothes,Stick to ’em—man’s attire becomes you not!(toFlorianandCyril) And you, young ladies, will you please to pray,King Hildebrand to set me free again?Hang on his neck and gaze into his eyes,Bring all your woman’s wiles to bear on him.He never could resist a pretty face!

Gama.Why you look handsome in your women’s clothes,

Stick to ’em—man’s attire becomes you not!

(toFlorianandCyril) And you, young ladies, will you please to pray,

King Hildebrand to set me free again?

Hang on his neck and gaze into his eyes,

Bring all your woman’s wiles to bear on him.

He never could resist a pretty face!

Cyril.You dog! Though I wear woman’s garb, you’ll findMy sword is long and sharp.

Cyril.You dog! Though I wear woman’s garb, you’ll find

My sword is long and sharp.

Gama.Hush, pretty one!Here’s a virago! Here’s a termagant!If length and sharpness go for any thing,You’ll want no sword while you can wag your tongue.

Gama.Hush, pretty one!

Here’s a virago! Here’s a termagant!

If length and sharpness go for any thing,

You’ll want no sword while you can wag your tongue.

Flori.What need to talk of swords to such as he?He’s old and crippled—(toGama) Oh, if you were young,And tolerably straight—and I could catchYou all alone, I’d—Ah!

Flori.What need to talk of swords to such as he?

He’s old and crippled—(toGama) Oh, if you were young,

And tolerably straight—and I could catch

You all alone, I’d—Ah!

Gama.(bashfully).Oh, go along,You naughty girl—why, I’m a married man!But I’ve three sons—see, ladies—here they are—Fine fellows—young and muscular and brave.They’ll meet you, if you will. Come, what d’ye say?

Gama.(bashfully).Oh, go along,

You naughty girl—why, I’m a married man!

But I’ve three sons—see, ladies—here they are—

Fine fellows—young and muscular and brave.

They’ll meet you, if you will. Come, what d’ye say?

Arac.Ay, pretty ones, engage yourselves with us,If three rude warriors who have spent their livesHacking at enemies, affright you not!

Arac.Ay, pretty ones, engage yourselves with us,

If three rude warriors who have spent their lives

Hacking at enemies, affright you not!

Hilar.(toGama). Old as you are, I’d wring your shriveled neckIf you were not the Princess Ida’s father!

Hilar.(toGama). Old as you are, I’d wring your shriveled neck

If you were not the Princess Ida’s father!

Gama.If I were not the Princess Ida’s father,And so had not her brothers for my sons,No doubt you’d wring my neck—in safety too!

Gama.If I were not the Princess Ida’s father,

And so had not her brothers for my sons,

No doubt you’d wring my neck—in safety too!

Hilar.Enough! I speak for Florian and Cyril.Arac, we take your challenge—three to three—So that it’s understood that Ida’s handDepends upon the issue.

Hilar.Enough! I speak for Florian and Cyril.

Arac, we take your challenge—three to three—

So that it’s understood that Ida’s hand

Depends upon the issue.

Arac.There’s my hand;If she consents not—sister though she beWe’ll raze her castle to the very ground![Exeunt.

Arac.There’s my hand;

If she consents not—sister though she be

We’ll raze her castle to the very ground!

[Exeunt.

Scene Fifth.—Inner Gate of Castle Adamant.All theLady Studentsdiscovered—the eightServantsas Amazons—the others all around. Flourish—EnterPrincess Ida, followed byLady Blanche.Prin.Is all prepared for war? We have to meetStern bearded warriors in fight to-day.Wear naught but what is necessary toPreserve your dignity before their eyes,And give your limbs full play.Blanche.One moment, ma’am,Here is a paradox we should not passWithout inquiry. We are prone to say,“This thing is Needful—that Superfluous”—Yet they invariably co-exist!We find the Needful comprehended inThe circle of the grand Superfluous;While the Superfluous can not be boughtUnless you’re amply furnished with the Needful.These singular considerations are—Prin.Superfluous, yet not Needful—so, you see,These terms may independently exist.Women of Adamant, we have to showThese men how they have under-rated us.Now is the time to prove our titles toThe highest honors they monopolize.Now is the time to prove our theoryThat woman, educated to the work,Can meet man face to face on his own ground,And beat him there. Now let us set to work!Where is our lady surgeon?Sacha.Madam, here!Prin.We shall require your skill to heal the woundsOf those that fall.Sacha.What! heal the wounded?Prin.Yes!Sacha.And cut off real live legs and arms?Prin.Of course!Sacha.I wouldn’t do it for a thousand pounds!Prin.Why, how is this? Are you faint-hearted, girl?You’ve often cut them off in theory.Sacha.In theory I’ll cut them off againWith pleasure, and as often as you like—But not in practice!Prin.Coward, get you hence!I’ve craft enough for that, and courage too.I’ll do your work! My Amazons, advance!Why, you are armed with spears—mere gilded toys!Where are your muskets, pray?Ada.Why, please you, ma’am,We left them in the armory, for fearThat, in the heat and turmoil of the fight,They might go off.Prin.“They might!” Oh, craven souls,Go off yourselves! Thank heaven, I have a heartThat quails not at the thought of meeting men.Iwill discharge your muskets. Off with you!Where’s my bandmistress?Chloe.Please you, ma’am, the bandDo not feel well, and can’t come out to-day!Prin.Why, this is flat rebellion! I’ve no timeTo talk to them just now! But happilyI can play several instruments at once,And I will drown the shrieks of those that fallWith trumpet music such as soldiers love.How stand we with respect to gunpowder?My Lady Psyche—you who superintendThe lab’ratory, where your class compoundsThat hideous chemical—are you preparedTo blow these bearded rascals into shreds?Psyche.Why, madam—Prin.Well?Psyche.Let us try gentler means—Treat them with the contempt that they deserve.We can dispense with fulminating grainsWhile we have eyes with which to flash our rage.We can dispense with villainous saltpeter,While we have tongues with which to blow them up.We can dispense, in short, with all the artsThat brutalize the practical polemist.Prin.(contemptuously). I never knew a more dispensing chemist!Away! away! I’ll meet these men alone,For all my women have deserted me!EnterMelissa.Melissa.Madam, your brothers crave an audience.Prin.My brothers? Why, what do they here?Melissa.They comeTo fight for you.Prin.Admit them!Blanche.Infamous!One’s brothers, ma’am, are men!Prin.So I have heard;But all my women seem to fail me whenI need them most: in this perplexityEven one’s brothers may be turned to use.EnterArac,Guron, andScynthius.Arac.My sisters!Prin.Arac, Guron, Scynthius, too! (they embrace.)Arac.We have arranged that Prince HilarionAnd his two followers shall fight us here;And if we fall, we’ve promised him your hand.Prin.(sighing). So be it, Arac; brothers though you be,With all your faults you’re brave, as brutes are brave.So be it—fight them here, but (aside and bashfully) oh, my brother,Kill whom you will, but spare Hilarion!He saved my life!Melissa.(aside toArac). Oh, save me Florian,He is her brother! (indicatingPsyche.)Psyche.(aside toArac). Oh, spare Cyril, sir,You’ve no idea what jolly songs he sings!Arac.Bah! I can spare them all—I want them not!But here they come, stand back, the lists prepare—Get you within those walls, poor trembling ones,And see that no one interferes with us.EnterHilarion,Cyril, andFlorian, withKingsGamaandHildebrand—PrincessandLadiesretire within outer wall, and group themselves on battlements.Gama.Come boys, we’ve all prepared, begin! begin!Why you lack mettle!—Gad, I’ll spur you up!(ToArac) Look, Arac—there’s the son of that vile king,Who, when he held me as his prisoner,Tormented me with tortures worse than death.I hadn’t any thing to grumble at!He found out what particular meats I loved,And gave me them—the very choicest wine—The costliest robes—the richest rooms were mine.He suffered none to thwart my simplest plan,And gave strict orders none should contradict me.He made my life a curse!Go in at them!Avenge your father’s wrongs! (ToHilarion) And as for you—(pointing to his sons)Here are three princes, sirs, who stand betweenYou and your happiness—so cut them down!Give them no mercy, they will give you none.Come, Prince Hilarion, begin, begin!You’ve this advantage over warriorsWho kill their country’s enemies for pay,You know what you are fighting for—look there! (pointing toLadieson battlements.)Hilar.Come on!Arac.Come on!Cyril.Come on!Scyn.Come on!Flori.Come on!(Desperate fight—at the end,Hilarion,Cyril, andFlorianwoundArac,Guron, andScynthius.)Prin.(entering through gate).Hold! stay your hands!—we yield ourselves to you.Ladies, my brothers all lie bleeding there!Bind up their wounds—but look the other way.Is this the end? How say you, Lady Blanche—Can I with dignity my post resign?And if I do, will you then take my place?Blanche.To answer this, it’s meet that we consultThe great Potential Mysteries; I meanThe five Subjunctive Possibilities—The May, the Might, the Would, the Could, the Should.Can you resign? The prince Might claim you; ifHe Might, you Could—and if you Should, I Would!Prin.I thought as much. Then to my fate I yield—So ends my cherished scheme! Oh, I had hopedTo band all women with my maiden throng,And make them all abjure tyrannic Man!Hilde.A noble aim!Prin.You ridicule it now;But if I carried out this glorious scheme,At my exalted name PosterityWould bow in gratitude!Hilde.But pray reflect—If you enlist all women in your cause,And make them all abjure tyrannic Man,The obvious question then arises, “HowIs this Posterity to be provided?”Prin.I never thought of that! My Lady Blanche,How do you solve the riddle?Blanche.Don’t ask me—Abstract Philosophy won’t answer it.Take him—he is your Shall. Give in to Fate!Prin.Andyoudesert me? I alone am stanch!Hilar.Madam, you placed your trust in woman—well,Woman has failed you utterly—try man,Give him one chance, it’s only fair—besides,Women are far too precious, too divineTo try unproven theories upon.Experiments, the proverb says, are madeOn humble subjects—try our grosser clay,And mold it as you will!Cyril.Remember, too,Dear Madam, if at any time you feelAweary of the Prince, you can returnTo Castle Adamant, and rule your girlsAs heretofore, you know.Prin.And shall I findThe Lady Psyche here?Psyche.If Cyril, ma’am,Does not behave himself, I think you will.Prin.And you, Melissa, shall I find you here?Melissa.Madam, however Florian turns out,Unhesitatingly I answer, No.Gama.Consider this, my love: if your mammaHad looked on matters from your point of view(I wish she had), why, where would you have been?Lady B.There’s an unbounded field of speculation,On which I could discourse for hours!Prin.No doubt!We will not trouble you. Hilarion,I have been wrong—I see my error now.Take me, Hilarion—“We will walk the worldYoked in all exercise of noble end!And so through those dark gates across the wildThat no man knows! Indeed, I love thee—Come!”Finale, from “Le Pont des Soupirs.”Cyril.Singers knowHow sweetly at a pianoA tenor and sopranoTogether sound.Chorus.Singers know, &c.Hilar.This will showThat men and women verilyCan get along more merrilyTogether bound.Chorus.This will showThat men and women verilyCan get along more merrilyTogether bound!Together bound!Together bound!

Scene Fifth.—Inner Gate of Castle Adamant.

All theLady Studentsdiscovered—the eightServantsas Amazons—the others all around. Flourish—EnterPrincess Ida, followed byLady Blanche.

Prin.Is all prepared for war? We have to meetStern bearded warriors in fight to-day.Wear naught but what is necessary toPreserve your dignity before their eyes,And give your limbs full play.

Prin.Is all prepared for war? We have to meet

Stern bearded warriors in fight to-day.

Wear naught but what is necessary to

Preserve your dignity before their eyes,

And give your limbs full play.

Blanche.One moment, ma’am,Here is a paradox we should not passWithout inquiry. We are prone to say,“This thing is Needful—that Superfluous”—Yet they invariably co-exist!We find the Needful comprehended inThe circle of the grand Superfluous;While the Superfluous can not be boughtUnless you’re amply furnished with the Needful.These singular considerations are—

Blanche.One moment, ma’am,

Here is a paradox we should not pass

Without inquiry. We are prone to say,

“This thing is Needful—that Superfluous”—

Yet they invariably co-exist!

We find the Needful comprehended in

The circle of the grand Superfluous;

While the Superfluous can not be bought

Unless you’re amply furnished with the Needful.

These singular considerations are—

Prin.Superfluous, yet not Needful—so, you see,These terms may independently exist.Women of Adamant, we have to showThese men how they have under-rated us.Now is the time to prove our titles toThe highest honors they monopolize.Now is the time to prove our theoryThat woman, educated to the work,Can meet man face to face on his own ground,And beat him there. Now let us set to work!Where is our lady surgeon?

Prin.Superfluous, yet not Needful—so, you see,

These terms may independently exist.

Women of Adamant, we have to show

These men how they have under-rated us.

Now is the time to prove our titles to

The highest honors they monopolize.

Now is the time to prove our theory

That woman, educated to the work,

Can meet man face to face on his own ground,

And beat him there. Now let us set to work!

Where is our lady surgeon?

Sacha.Madam, here!

Prin.We shall require your skill to heal the woundsOf those that fall.

Prin.We shall require your skill to heal the wounds

Of those that fall.

Sacha.What! heal the wounded?

Prin.Yes!

Sacha.And cut off real live legs and arms?

Prin.Of course!

Sacha.I wouldn’t do it for a thousand pounds!

Prin.Why, how is this? Are you faint-hearted, girl?You’ve often cut them off in theory.

Prin.Why, how is this? Are you faint-hearted, girl?

You’ve often cut them off in theory.

Sacha.In theory I’ll cut them off againWith pleasure, and as often as you like—But not in practice!

Sacha.In theory I’ll cut them off again

With pleasure, and as often as you like—

But not in practice!

Prin.Coward, get you hence!I’ve craft enough for that, and courage too.I’ll do your work! My Amazons, advance!Why, you are armed with spears—mere gilded toys!Where are your muskets, pray?

Prin.Coward, get you hence!

I’ve craft enough for that, and courage too.

I’ll do your work! My Amazons, advance!

Why, you are armed with spears—mere gilded toys!

Where are your muskets, pray?

Ada.Why, please you, ma’am,We left them in the armory, for fearThat, in the heat and turmoil of the fight,They might go off.

Ada.Why, please you, ma’am,

We left them in the armory, for fear

That, in the heat and turmoil of the fight,

They might go off.

Prin.“They might!” Oh, craven souls,Go off yourselves! Thank heaven, I have a heartThat quails not at the thought of meeting men.Iwill discharge your muskets. Off with you!Where’s my bandmistress?

Prin.“They might!” Oh, craven souls,

Go off yourselves! Thank heaven, I have a heart

That quails not at the thought of meeting men.

Iwill discharge your muskets. Off with you!

Where’s my bandmistress?

Chloe.Please you, ma’am, the bandDo not feel well, and can’t come out to-day!

Chloe.Please you, ma’am, the band

Do not feel well, and can’t come out to-day!

Prin.Why, this is flat rebellion! I’ve no timeTo talk to them just now! But happilyI can play several instruments at once,And I will drown the shrieks of those that fallWith trumpet music such as soldiers love.How stand we with respect to gunpowder?My Lady Psyche—you who superintendThe lab’ratory, where your class compoundsThat hideous chemical—are you preparedTo blow these bearded rascals into shreds?

Prin.Why, this is flat rebellion! I’ve no time

To talk to them just now! But happily

I can play several instruments at once,

And I will drown the shrieks of those that fall

With trumpet music such as soldiers love.

How stand we with respect to gunpowder?

My Lady Psyche—you who superintend

The lab’ratory, where your class compounds

That hideous chemical—are you prepared

To blow these bearded rascals into shreds?

Psyche.Why, madam—

Prin.Well?

Psyche.Let us try gentler means—Treat them with the contempt that they deserve.We can dispense with fulminating grainsWhile we have eyes with which to flash our rage.We can dispense with villainous saltpeter,While we have tongues with which to blow them up.We can dispense, in short, with all the artsThat brutalize the practical polemist.

Psyche.Let us try gentler means—

Treat them with the contempt that they deserve.

We can dispense with fulminating grains

While we have eyes with which to flash our rage.

We can dispense with villainous saltpeter,

While we have tongues with which to blow them up.

We can dispense, in short, with all the arts

That brutalize the practical polemist.

Prin.(contemptuously). I never knew a more dispensing chemist!Away! away! I’ll meet these men alone,For all my women have deserted me!

Prin.(contemptuously). I never knew a more dispensing chemist!

Away! away! I’ll meet these men alone,

For all my women have deserted me!

EnterMelissa.

Melissa.Madam, your brothers crave an audience.

Prin.My brothers? Why, what do they here?

Melissa.They comeTo fight for you.

Melissa.They come

To fight for you.

Prin.Admit them!

Blanche.Infamous!One’s brothers, ma’am, are men!

Blanche.Infamous!

One’s brothers, ma’am, are men!

Prin.So I have heard;But all my women seem to fail me whenI need them most: in this perplexityEven one’s brothers may be turned to use.

Prin.So I have heard;

But all my women seem to fail me when

I need them most: in this perplexity

Even one’s brothers may be turned to use.

EnterArac,Guron, andScynthius.

Arac.My sisters!

Prin.Arac, Guron, Scynthius, too! (they embrace.)

Arac.We have arranged that Prince HilarionAnd his two followers shall fight us here;And if we fall, we’ve promised him your hand.

Arac.We have arranged that Prince Hilarion

And his two followers shall fight us here;

And if we fall, we’ve promised him your hand.

Prin.(sighing). So be it, Arac; brothers though you be,With all your faults you’re brave, as brutes are brave.So be it—fight them here, but (aside and bashfully) oh, my brother,Kill whom you will, but spare Hilarion!He saved my life!

Prin.(sighing). So be it, Arac; brothers though you be,

With all your faults you’re brave, as brutes are brave.

So be it—fight them here, but (aside and bashfully) oh, my brother,

Kill whom you will, but spare Hilarion!

He saved my life!

Melissa.(aside toArac). Oh, save me Florian,He is her brother! (indicatingPsyche.)

Melissa.(aside toArac). Oh, save me Florian,

He is her brother! (indicatingPsyche.)

Psyche.(aside toArac). Oh, spare Cyril, sir,You’ve no idea what jolly songs he sings!

Psyche.(aside toArac). Oh, spare Cyril, sir,

You’ve no idea what jolly songs he sings!

Arac.Bah! I can spare them all—I want them not!But here they come, stand back, the lists prepare—Get you within those walls, poor trembling ones,And see that no one interferes with us.

Arac.Bah! I can spare them all—I want them not!

But here they come, stand back, the lists prepare—

Get you within those walls, poor trembling ones,

And see that no one interferes with us.

EnterHilarion,Cyril, andFlorian, withKingsGamaandHildebrand—PrincessandLadiesretire within outer wall, and group themselves on battlements.

Gama.Come boys, we’ve all prepared, begin! begin!Why you lack mettle!—Gad, I’ll spur you up!(ToArac) Look, Arac—there’s the son of that vile king,Who, when he held me as his prisoner,Tormented me with tortures worse than death.I hadn’t any thing to grumble at!He found out what particular meats I loved,And gave me them—the very choicest wine—The costliest robes—the richest rooms were mine.He suffered none to thwart my simplest plan,And gave strict orders none should contradict me.He made my life a curse!Go in at them!Avenge your father’s wrongs! (ToHilarion) And as for you—(pointing to his sons)Here are three princes, sirs, who stand betweenYou and your happiness—so cut them down!Give them no mercy, they will give you none.Come, Prince Hilarion, begin, begin!You’ve this advantage over warriorsWho kill their country’s enemies for pay,You know what you are fighting for—look there! (pointing toLadieson battlements.)

Gama.Come boys, we’ve all prepared, begin! begin!

Why you lack mettle!—Gad, I’ll spur you up!

(ToArac) Look, Arac—there’s the son of that vile king,

Who, when he held me as his prisoner,

Tormented me with tortures worse than death.

I hadn’t any thing to grumble at!

He found out what particular meats I loved,

And gave me them—the very choicest wine—

The costliest robes—the richest rooms were mine.

He suffered none to thwart my simplest plan,

And gave strict orders none should contradict me.

He made my life a curse!Go in at them!

Avenge your father’s wrongs! (ToHilarion) And as for you—

(pointing to his sons)

Here are three princes, sirs, who stand between

You and your happiness—so cut them down!

Give them no mercy, they will give you none.

Come, Prince Hilarion, begin, begin!

You’ve this advantage over warriors

Who kill their country’s enemies for pay,

You know what you are fighting for—look there! (pointing toLadieson battlements.)

Hilar.Come on!

Arac.Come on!

Cyril.Come on!

Scyn.Come on!

Flori.Come on!

(Desperate fight—at the end,Hilarion,Cyril, andFlorianwoundArac,Guron, andScynthius.)

Prin.(entering through gate).Hold! stay your hands!—we yield ourselves to you.Ladies, my brothers all lie bleeding there!Bind up their wounds—but look the other way.Is this the end? How say you, Lady Blanche—Can I with dignity my post resign?And if I do, will you then take my place?

Prin.(entering through gate).

Hold! stay your hands!—we yield ourselves to you.

Ladies, my brothers all lie bleeding there!

Bind up their wounds—but look the other way.

Is this the end? How say you, Lady Blanche—

Can I with dignity my post resign?

And if I do, will you then take my place?

Blanche.To answer this, it’s meet that we consultThe great Potential Mysteries; I meanThe five Subjunctive Possibilities—The May, the Might, the Would, the Could, the Should.Can you resign? The prince Might claim you; ifHe Might, you Could—and if you Should, I Would!

Blanche.To answer this, it’s meet that we consult

The great Potential Mysteries; I mean

The five Subjunctive Possibilities—

The May, the Might, the Would, the Could, the Should.

Can you resign? The prince Might claim you; if

He Might, you Could—and if you Should, I Would!

Prin.I thought as much. Then to my fate I yield—So ends my cherished scheme! Oh, I had hopedTo band all women with my maiden throng,And make them all abjure tyrannic Man!

Prin.I thought as much. Then to my fate I yield—

So ends my cherished scheme! Oh, I had hoped

To band all women with my maiden throng,

And make them all abjure tyrannic Man!

Hilde.A noble aim!

Prin.You ridicule it now;But if I carried out this glorious scheme,At my exalted name PosterityWould bow in gratitude!

Prin.You ridicule it now;

But if I carried out this glorious scheme,

At my exalted name Posterity

Would bow in gratitude!

Hilde.But pray reflect—If you enlist all women in your cause,And make them all abjure tyrannic Man,The obvious question then arises, “HowIs this Posterity to be provided?”

Hilde.But pray reflect—

If you enlist all women in your cause,

And make them all abjure tyrannic Man,

The obvious question then arises, “How

Is this Posterity to be provided?”

Prin.I never thought of that! My Lady Blanche,How do you solve the riddle?

Prin.I never thought of that! My Lady Blanche,

How do you solve the riddle?

Blanche.Don’t ask me—Abstract Philosophy won’t answer it.Take him—he is your Shall. Give in to Fate!

Blanche.Don’t ask me—

Abstract Philosophy won’t answer it.

Take him—he is your Shall. Give in to Fate!

Prin.Andyoudesert me? I alone am stanch!

Hilar.Madam, you placed your trust in woman—well,Woman has failed you utterly—try man,Give him one chance, it’s only fair—besides,Women are far too precious, too divineTo try unproven theories upon.Experiments, the proverb says, are madeOn humble subjects—try our grosser clay,And mold it as you will!

Hilar.Madam, you placed your trust in woman—well,

Woman has failed you utterly—try man,

Give him one chance, it’s only fair—besides,

Women are far too precious, too divine

To try unproven theories upon.

Experiments, the proverb says, are made

On humble subjects—try our grosser clay,

And mold it as you will!

Cyril.Remember, too,Dear Madam, if at any time you feelAweary of the Prince, you can returnTo Castle Adamant, and rule your girlsAs heretofore, you know.

Cyril.Remember, too,

Dear Madam, if at any time you feel

Aweary of the Prince, you can return

To Castle Adamant, and rule your girls

As heretofore, you know.

Prin.And shall I findThe Lady Psyche here?

Prin.And shall I find

The Lady Psyche here?

Psyche.If Cyril, ma’am,Does not behave himself, I think you will.

Psyche.If Cyril, ma’am,

Does not behave himself, I think you will.

Prin.And you, Melissa, shall I find you here?

Melissa.Madam, however Florian turns out,Unhesitatingly I answer, No.

Melissa.Madam, however Florian turns out,

Unhesitatingly I answer, No.

Gama.Consider this, my love: if your mammaHad looked on matters from your point of view(I wish she had), why, where would you have been?

Gama.Consider this, my love: if your mamma

Had looked on matters from your point of view

(I wish she had), why, where would you have been?

Lady B.There’s an unbounded field of speculation,On which I could discourse for hours!

Lady B.There’s an unbounded field of speculation,

On which I could discourse for hours!

Prin.No doubt!We will not trouble you. Hilarion,I have been wrong—I see my error now.Take me, Hilarion—“We will walk the worldYoked in all exercise of noble end!And so through those dark gates across the wildThat no man knows! Indeed, I love thee—Come!”

Prin.No doubt!

We will not trouble you. Hilarion,

I have been wrong—I see my error now.

Take me, Hilarion—“We will walk the world

Yoked in all exercise of noble end!

And so through those dark gates across the wild

That no man knows! Indeed, I love thee—Come!”

Finale, from “Le Pont des Soupirs.”

Cyril.

Singers knowHow sweetly at a pianoA tenor and sopranoTogether sound.

Singers know

How sweetly at a piano

A tenor and soprano

Together sound.

Chorus.

Singers know, &c.

Hilar.

This will showThat men and women verilyCan get along more merrilyTogether bound.

This will show

That men and women verily

Can get along more merrily

Together bound.

Chorus.This will showThat men and women verilyCan get along more merrilyTogether bound!Together bound!Together bound!

Chorus.

This will show

That men and women verily

Can get along more merrily

Together bound!

THE PALACE OF TRUTH:A Fairy Comedy,IN THREE ACTS.DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.King PhanorMr. Buckstone.Prince PhilamirMr. Kendal.ChrysalMr. Everill.ZoramMr. Clark.AristæusMr. Rogers.GélanorMr. Braid.Queen AltemireMrs. Chippendale.Princess ZeolideMiss Madge Robertson.MirzaMiss Caroline Hill.PalmisMiss Fanny Wright.AzèmaMiss Fanny Gwynne.ACT I.GARDENS OF KING PHANOR’S COUNTRY HOUSE.MORNING.ACT II.INTERIOR OF THE PALACE OF TRUTH.NOON.ACT III.THE AVENUE OF PALMS.NIGHT.[The action of the piece takes place within the space of twenty-four hours.]

A Fairy Comedy,

IN THREE ACTS.

ACT I.GARDENS OF KING PHANOR’S COUNTRY HOUSE.MORNING.

ACT II.INTERIOR OF THE PALACE OF TRUTH.NOON.

ACT III.THE AVENUE OF PALMS.NIGHT.

[The action of the piece takes place within the space of twenty-four hours.]

THE PALACE OF TRUTH.ACT I.Scene.—Garden ofKing Phanor’sCountry House.King Phanordiscovered withChrysal,Zoram,Aristæus, andPalmis.Aristæusis standing sulkily apart.As the curtain rises,King Phanoris finishing a recitation which he is accompanying on a mandolin, in a very affected manner.Phanor.“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”(ZoramandChrysalapplaud vigorously.)Chrysal.My lord, I pray you read it once again,My ears are greedy for the golden sound.Phan.Chrysal, you make me blush!Chrys.My lord, a blushIs modesty’s sole herald—and true worthIs ever modest. Pray you, sir, again!Phan.It’s a poor thing—a string of platitudes—Stale metaphors—time-honored similes.I’m a poor poet, gentlemen!Chrys.I swearThere never lived a poet till now!Zoram.And thenThe music you have wedded to the words(I speak of this with some authority)Shames, in its flow of rhythmic melody,The counterpoint of Adam de la Halle!Phan.(bashfully). The merit is not altogether mine.I wrote the music—but I did not makeThis dainty instrument. Why, who could failTo charm, with such a mandolin as this?Zor.Believe me, the result would be the same,Whether your lordship chose to play uponThe simple tetrachord of MercuryThat knew no diatonic intervals,Or the elaborate dis-diapason(Four tetrachords, and one redundant note),Embracing in its perfect consonanceAll simple, double and inverted chords!Phan.(toChrysal). A wonderful musician—and a manOf infinite good taste!Zor.Why, from my birthI have made melope and counterpointMy favorite study.Phan.And you really careTo hear my work again, oh melodist?Zor.Again, my lord, and even then again!Phan.(recites). “When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails;“When scorpions vomit forth their poisonous scum;“When to the demon tryst gaunt witches come;“When noisome pestilence stalks through the glen,“Bellowing forth its enmity to men;“When ghastly toads scream loudly through the air;“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”Chrys.(in raptures). Why, where’s the cunning of the sorcererPlaced by the magic of such words as these?“When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;”Why, there’s an epithet might make day night,And shame the swallows to their couching place!“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails!”Why, here’s a blackness, Zoram, so intenseIt scares the very deities away!Phan.(explaining). “Still goddess” means the moon.Chrys.The moon—my lord?Of course—the moon! See how, in ignorance,We seek upon the surface of the waveFor pearls that lie uncounted fathoms deep.The darkness frightens e’en the moon away!The metaphor is perfect!Phan.(annoyed).No, no, no!The moon has not yet risen, sir! The moonFrightens the darkness—darkness don’t frighther!Why sits the genial Aristæus thereAll solitary? How d’you like my work?(Aside toChrysal) We’ll have some fun with him.(Aloud) Your verdict, come!Arist.I’m blunt and honest. I can’t teach my tongueTo lie, as Zoram here, and Chrysal do.I tell the truth, sir. If you want to knowMy estimate of what you’ve given us,I think your poetry contemptible—Your melody, my lord, beneath contempt.Phan.That’s rather strong.Arist.It’s strong, my lord, but true.I’m blunt—outspoken. If I’ve angered you,So much the worse; I always speak the truth.Chrys.Heed not the yelping of this surly cur,Naught satisfies him, Phanor!Arist.There you’re wrong,For I was satisfied to hear it once;’Twas you that wanted it a second time!Chrys.Back to your kennel, sham Diogenes!Arist.I’m no Diogenes.Hespent his lifeSeeking an honest man.Ilive in courts.Zor.My lord, I pray you send the fellow hence,For he and we are always out of tune.An inharmonious bracketing of notes,Whose musical extremes don’t coalesce:He’s sharp and we are flat.Arist.Extremely flat!Chrys.He’s vinegar, my lord, and we are oil.Arist.Oil is a sickening insipid foodUnless it’s qualified with vinegar.I’m rough and honest. If I’ve angered you,I’ll go.Phan.No, no, you have not angered us.(Aside toZoram) I like the fellow’s humor—he may rave!I’m tired of hearing truths, so let him lie!But where’s Queen Altemire?Chrys.My lord, she comes—A perfect type of perfect womanhood.The dew of forty summers on her headHas but matured her beauty, by my life!For five-and-thirty years, a bud—and nowA rose full blown!Arist.Say over-blown.Phan.What’s that?Arist.My lord, the Queen’s too fat.Phan.Well, that may be,But don’t you tell her so. Your insolenceAmuses me—it won’t amuse the Queen:She has no sense of humor. So take care.Arist.My lord, I’m rough, but honest. I’ve a tongueThat can not frame a lie.Phan.But bear in mindBesides that very rough and honest tongue,You have a palate, and a set of teeth,And several delicate contrivancesThat aid digestion. Tell her she’s too fat,And she may take offense; and, if she does,She’ll throw that apparatus out of work:That’s all.Enter theQueenandMirza.Good morning, Altemire, my queen.Why, you seem sad.Altem.My lord, I’m very sad.Palmis.The Queen is sad! Zoram, attune your lyre,And soothe her melancholy.Altem.No, no, no—I’m not in cue for music—leave us, pray—I would take counsel with my lord—look, sirs,I am not well.[The threeCourtiersexeunt into house.Phan.(aside toPalmis).Palmis, what’s here amiss?What causes this? HaveIdone any thing?Palmis.I know not, but I think it bears uponYour daughter’s troth to brave Prince Philamir.Whenever we have spoken on the pointShe has commanded silence.Phan.Well, we’ll see.Chrysal awaits you—you may go to him;Talk to him of your pledge to marryhim,And he’ll not silence you. There, you may go.[ExitPalmisinto house.Now what’s the matter?Altem.Oh, I’m sick at heartWith apprehension! Our dear ZeolideTo-morrow is betrothed to Philamir,The bravest and the most accomplished PrinceIn Christendom. Phanor, she loves him not!Phan.What makes you think so?Altem.Phanor, you are blind!Why see how coldly Zeolide receivesHis songs of love—his bursts of metaphor:“I love you, Philamir,” and there’s an end.She will vouchsafe her spouse-elect no more—No tenderness—no reciprocity;A cold, half-sullen and half-wayward smile,And that is all. The maiden lavishesMore love upon her horse!Phan.Perhaps she thinksHer horse will bear such tokens of regardWith more discretion than her lover would!Altem.Phanor, I tell you she loves him not.I am a woman, with a woman’s tact.Phan.Shesaysshe loves him.Altem.So indeed she says,And says no more. Phanor, had I been woo’dWith ardent songs of overwhelming love,Framed by so fair a poet as Philamir,It would have turned my giddy woman’s brain,And thrilled my reason to its very core!Phan.I never thought my wooing poetry,Now I begin to think it may have been.Mirza.Oh, sir,Ilove the Princess. Pause beforeYou sacrifice her earthly happinessFor sordid ends of selfish policy.The Prince is rich. What then? The girl is poor.But what is wealth of gold to wealth of love?What famine’s so deplorable as hisWho hungers for a love he can not find?What luxury so wearisome as hersWho’s surfeited with love she values not?King Phanor, let the Princess be released!Altem.My lady Mirza, you forget yourself!Mirza.I do forget myself, rememb’ring her;I have her happiness at heart. The maidIs more than life to me. Forgive me, Queen.I could not help but speak.Phan.Well, say no more.I’ll question her, and if it then appearsShe loves not Philamir, she shall be free.I also love the girl—but, here she comes.I’ll find some test which shall decide the point.[ExitPhanorinto house.EnterZeolide.Altem.My daughter, where’s the Prince?Zeo.I can not say;I saw his highness yesterday, but sinceHave not set eyes on him.Altem.Has he returnedFrom hunting?Zeo.Yes, I heard the Prince’s voiceNot half an hour ago.Altem.And, in return,You made no sign to him?Zeo.No sign, indeed.I heard his song—’twas very sweetly sung,It told of love—it called for no reply.Altem.A song of love that called for no reply?Zeo.It asked no question, mother.Altem.Surely, girl,There may be questions that are not expressed.Zeo.And answers, mother—mine was one of them!Altem.Come, Zeolide, I’ve much to say to you.Renounce Prince Philamir ere ’tis too late!He will release you; he is proud and brave,And would not force a hated life on you.Come, Zeolide, throw off this weary bond,And marry whom you love, or marry none!Zeo.As I am bound, dear mother, I’ll remain,So let me stay with Mirza.Altem.(annoyed).You can stay![ExitQueen Altemireinto house, glancing angrily atMirza;Zeolidenotices this with some surprise.Zeo.Why, Mirza, how my mother frowns at you!How have you angered her?Mirza.I love you well;And when I told her of my sister-love,In words more passionate than politic,The Queen rebuked me sternly.Zeo.Oh, for shame!Mirza.She is your mother, and she claims your love,And can not brook that I should share that love.I can forgive the noble jealousyThat comes of woman’s love for woman.Zeo.Yes;For you are Mirza—queen of womankind—The best, the noblest woman in the world!Mirza.Why, here is warmth! and people call you coldBecause you are so cold to Philamir.Zeo.Why, Mirza, he’s a man!EnterPhilamirfrom house—he overhearsMirza.Mirza.A man indeed!The bravest warrior that wields a sword;The rarest poet that ever penned a lay;An admirable knight—gay, handsome, young,Brave, wealthy, and accomplished—with a tongueMight shame a siren’s!Zeo.Hush! a siren’s tongueIs not renowned for much sincerity.Mirza.Heis sincere.Zeo.Indeed, I hope he is!Phil.(coming forward). I thank you, Lady Mirza, for those words.Mirza.(coldly). I little thought that they were overheard.This is ungenerous, Prince Philamir.[Bows coldly and exit;Philamirrushes toZeolide, who receives him very quietly.Phil.Dear Zeolide, at last we are alone!Oh, I have longed for this!Zeo.Indeed! And why?Phil.And why? We can converse without reserve.Zeo.What should I say when we are quite aloneThat I should leave unsaid were others here?I can but say, “I love you,” Philamir.Phil.And is that all?Zeo.And is not that enough?Phil.All the world knows you love me!Zeo.That is whyI do not blush to own it in the world.Phil.But give me more—I loveyou, Zeolide,As the earth loves the sun!Zeo.The earth is gladTo see the sun, and asks no more than that.You would do well to imitate the earth.Phil.I am content to imitate the earth—I am content to sit and gaze at you,Tranced in a lazy glow of happiness;But if you speak and wake me from that trance,Wake me, dear Zeolide, with warmer words.“I love you!” Why I know you love me well!Say nothing, Zeolide, and I’m content.If you say any thing, say more than that!Zeo.What words could I employ which, tested inThe crucible of unimpassioned truth,Would not resolve themselves into those three?Now I must go—your sun’s about to set—So farewell earth!Phil.And when the sun is downThe earth is inconsolable!Zeo.UntilThe moon appears! Perhaps there is a moonThat fills my place until I rise again?Phil.No moon, dear Zeolide; or, if there be,She floats in one perpetual eclipse!Zeo.The moon is not the less a moon becauseThe earth thinks fit to hide her from the sun!Phil.Nay; you pursue the metaphor too far.If I, the earth, conceal a nightly moon,Why you, the sun, have many worlds to warm,And some are nearer to you than this earth!Zeo.Hush, Philamir! I’m ready to believeThat you’re an earth that knows no moon at all,If you’ll allow that I, although a sun,Consent to warm no other world than this!(Kissing his forehead, and going.)Phil.Oh, do not leave me thus, dear Zeolide.I am a beggar, begging charity;Throw me more coin that bears the stamp of love!Zeo.I have one coin that bears that holy stamp—I give you that—I have no more to give.Phil.Tell me its value, then, in words of love!Zeo.What! would you have me advertise my alms,And trumpet forth my largess to the world?Phil.Not to the world, dear Zeolide—to me!Zeo.Ah, you would have me say “Youare my world!”You see, I have the trick of ardent speech,And I could use it, were I so disposed.But surely, Philamir, the mendicantWho is not satisfied to take my almsUntil he knows how much that alms be worth,Can scarcely stand in need of alms at all!I love you, Philamir—be satisfied.Whose vows are made so earnestly as hersWho would deceive you by her earnestness?Why, if I sought to trick you, Philamir,I should select such phrases for my end—So passionate—and yet so delicate,So fierce—from overflow of gentle love,So furious—from excess of tenderness,That even your expressions of regard,Unbounded in their hot extravagance,Would pale before the fury ofmywords,And you, from very shame, would call them back,And beg my pardon for their want of warmth!I love you, Philamir—I’ll say no more![Exit.Phil.Gone! But I’ll follow her— (going).EnterPhanorfrom house.Phan.Stop, Philamir,If, as she says, she loves you, well and good;She’ll give you proof of it in her good time;But if she don’t, why take an old boy’s word(Who speaks of love with some authority),She’ll love you none the better for the warmthThat prompts you to perpetual persecution.The girl has taken this road—take you that.[Philamirstands irresolute, then goes off slowly, in the direction indicated.That’s good advice!EnterQueen Altemirefrom house.Altem.My lord, old Gélanor,The steward of your palace, has arrived,And waits without.Phan.We’ll see him presently.Altem.(with some hesitation).Now, do you know, I often wonder why,Possessing such a palace, furnished withThe rarest luxuries that wealth can buy,You hold your Court in this secluded place?I have been married to you eighteen years,Yet I have never seen this palace, whichStands barely twenty miles away, and whichYou visit regularly once a month.Phan.(rather confused). There are good reasons, Altemire.Altem.(angry).No doubt!Exceedingly good reasons! When a manMaintains a bachelor establishment,He has the best of reasons to declineTo take his wife there!Phan.You’re a jealous fool.Altem.Jealous I am, and possibly a fool,But not a fool for being jealous.Phan.Peace,And I will tell you why I take you not.That palace is enchanted. Every oneWho enters there is bound to speak the truth—The simple, unadulterated truth.To every question that is put to himHe must return the unaffected truth,And strange to say, while publishing the truthHe’s no idea that he is doing so;And while he lets innumerable catsOut of unnumbered bags, he quite believesThat all the while he’s tightening the stringsThat keep them from a too censorious world.What do you say to that?Altem.(amazed).Say? Would the worldWere one such palace, Phanor!Phan.If it were,At least we all should meet on equal terms;But to be taken from a world in whichThat influence don’t exist, and to be placedInside a fairy palace where it does(Accompanied, moreover, by one’s wife),Might take one at a disadvantage!Altem.Well,I am prepared to undergo the testIf you’ll accompany me.Phan.No, no, no!You are a worthy woman, Altemire,But, Altemire, you have your faults!Altem.My lord,I am a woman!Phan.Yes, exactly so;If you werenota woman, Altemire,Or, being one, were some one else’s wife,I’d take you there to-morrow!Altem.But, my lord,Why won’t you take me, being what I am?Phan.Because, my wife, I don’t know what you are.Altem.You know, at least, that I’m a faithful wife.Phan.I think you’re more than faithful. I believeYou are a perfect woman, Altemire,A pattern as a mother and a wife—And, so believing, why I do not careTo run the risk of being undeceived!Altem.(annoyed). My lord, you are unjust! Can you believeI should expose myself to such a testHad I been guilty of unfaithfulness?I am no perfect woman, Phanor. I have faultsThat advertise themselves. No need to sayThat I’m quick-tempered, jealous, over-proneTo underrate the worth of womankind—Impetuous—unreasonable—vain—I am a woman, with a woman’s faults.But, being woman, Phanor, I’m a wife;And, in that I am one, I need not blush.You have some better reason. PossiblyYou dread the palace on your own account?Phan.I dread the palace, Altemire? No, no.I am a child of impulse. All my faultsLie on the surface. I have naught to hide.Such little faults as sully me you know.Altem.Or guess.Phan.Ha! Am I then to understandMy Queen suspects her husband?Altem.Yes, you are!Phan.Then this decides me. Youshallgo with me.Altem.But—Phan.Not a word—King Phanor can not brookThe breath of jealousy. With all his faultsHis married life has been as pure as snow.We two will go this morning.Altem.Stay! A thought!Let us take Zeolide and Philamir,They shall not know the fairy influenceTo which they are subjected. If the maidDoes not love Philamir, she’ll show it then,And the betrothal can be canceled. IfShe loves him, why, she’ll show it all the more:Then the betrothal shall be ratified.Phan.Wewilltake Zeolide and Philamir,Chrysal and Zoram—Aristæus too,And Palmis—yes, and blameless Lady Mirza—Mirza, the good, the beautiful, the pure!Altem.Mirza! Eternal Mirza! EverywhereI hear her irritating virtues praised!I’m weary of the woman!Phan.Stop a bit,Till we are in the palace. Then we’ll learnNot only your opinion of her worth,But also why you hold it.Altem.Well, well, well!The maid is young and beautiful, and IAm envious of that youth and beauty. See,I can anticipate the influenceTo which I’m going to subject myself.There I was wrong. Mirzashallgo with us,And by her conduct under such a test,Prove the injustice of my estimate.I’ll go and warn the Court.[ExitQueen Altemireinto house.Phan.The course I takeIs rather rash, but the experimentWill not be destitute of interest.EnterGélanorfrom house.Well, Gélanor, what tidings do you bring?About our palace?Gélan.Sir, the old, old tale.Men come and go—and women come and go.Although the palace gates are opened wideTo rich and poor alike—and rich and poorAlike receive full hospitalityFor any length of time they care to stay,Few care to stay above a day or two.Free entertainment in a princely homeIs little valued when it’s coupled withThe disadvantage of a dwelling-placeWhere every one is bound to speak the truth.When does my lord propose to start?Phan.To-day.But this time not alone, good Gélanor.Gélan.And who is to accompany you, sir?Phan.My wife.Gélan.Your wife?Phan.My wife.Gélan.Great heavens, my lord,Have you reflected?Phan.Yes.Gélan.To any placeWhere one is bound to speak the baldest truthConcerning all the actions of one’s life,It’s hardly politic to take one’s wife!Phan.Oh, I’ve the fullest confidence in her.She’s a good woman, Gélanor.Gélan.Ah, sir,I have seen married couples by the score,Who, when they passed within our crystal walls,Have boldly advertised themselves preparedTo stake their souls upon each other’s faith—But who, before they’ve spent an hour at mostUnder the castle’s mystic influence,Have separated ne’er to meet again!Oh, have a care!Phan.Queen Altemire knows all,And knowing all she fears not for herself,So I’ve no fear for her!Gélan.Butyou, my liege—How will you bear yourself ’neath such a test?You have been married nearly eighteen years:That’s a long time!EnterMirza, unobserved.Phan.Well, yes—I’ve thought of that.I’m a good husband—as good husbands go.I love my wife—but still—you understand—Boys will be boys! Thereisa point or two—Say two, as being nearer to the mark—On which I do not altogether careTo stand examination by my wife.Perhaps I may have given out that I’veBeen dininghere—when I’ve been diningthere—I may have said “with A”—when ’twas with B—I may have said “withhim”—when ’twas withher—Distinctions such as these, good Gélanor,Though strangely unimportant in themselves,Still have a value, which the female mind’sParticularly quick to apprehend.Now here’s a talisman—a crystal box—(producing it).Whoever carries this within those wallsMay overcome the castle’s influence,And utter truth or falsehood as he wills.I should do well, I think, to take this box?Gélan.From all accounts, my lord, I think you would!(SeesMirza) Ahem! We are observed!Mirza.My lord, I trustMy presence here is not inopportune?I will withdraw.Phan.No, Lady Mirza, no!I was exhibiting to GélanorA curious specimen of crystal work—He understands such things.Mirza.(taking box).And so do I.How marvelously pure! No single flawAffects its exquisite transparency!A perfect emblem of a spotless life!Gélan.But, Lady Mirza, perfect spotlessnessIs apt to smack of insipidity.Mirza.No—hold it to the light, and see the change!See how its exquisite prismatic hues,Under the influence of searching light,Are instantly made clear and manifest.As shines this crystal in the sun, so shinesA perfect woman in the light of truth.The modest beauties of a spotless lifeRemain unknown and unsuspected, tillA ray of truth-light starts them into life,And shows them—all unwilling—to the world!Gélan.But there are hidden qualities of soulThat even truth can not detect. SupposeThis crystal, peerless in its spotlessness,Turned out to be a potent talisman,With power to work all kinds of devilry?There are such things!Phan.(aside).Why there are women, too(I have known many such), to whom the boxMight still be very properly compared!Mirza.Impossible, my lord. I’ll not believeThat aught so beautiful could be so base.(Returning it) I thank you, sir. I’ve read a lesson hereThat I shall take good heed to profit by.Enter theQueen Altemire, withZeolide,Phanor,Aristæus,Zoram, andPalmis, from house.Altem.Here comes your Court, my lord.Phan.That’s well. My friends,I have a palace, twenty miles away—A lovely place, engirt with crystal walls;Its grounds will show fair flowers and shady groves,Huge forest trees, rare fountains, hill and dale.There’s hunting, fishing—eighteen years preserved!There the sun shines unclouded all day long.What say you—will you go?Chrys.Go? What care IWhether it rain or shine so that I mayBask in the sunshine of my King and Queen!Phan.In half an hour we start. Once there, our lifeShall be a song, and Aristæus here,The jolly, genial, laughing Aristæus,Shall strike the key-note!Arist.Well, I’ll do my best.Zor.But pray consider. If the intervalsThroughout the diatonic series, sir,Were mathematically equal, whyIt would not greatly matter, as you know,Upon what note your melody commenced.But as it is not so, we must respectThe intervals the melody demands.No key-note struck by Aristæus couldBe correspondent with those intervals!Phil.I’llgive the key-note. We will pass the dayBy quivering willows at the waterside,Lapped in a lazy luxury of love!There we’ll forget the world of work-a-day,And crown our happiness with songs of love!What say you, dearest Zeolide?Zeo.I’ve saidAs much as it is maidenly to say—I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

THE PALACE OF TRUTH.

Scene.—Garden ofKing Phanor’sCountry House.King Phanordiscovered withChrysal,Zoram,Aristæus, andPalmis.Aristæusis standing sulkily apart.As the curtain rises,King Phanoris finishing a recitation which he is accompanying on a mandolin, in a very affected manner.Phanor.“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”(ZoramandChrysalapplaud vigorously.)Chrysal.My lord, I pray you read it once again,My ears are greedy for the golden sound.Phan.Chrysal, you make me blush!Chrys.My lord, a blushIs modesty’s sole herald—and true worthIs ever modest. Pray you, sir, again!Phan.It’s a poor thing—a string of platitudes—Stale metaphors—time-honored similes.I’m a poor poet, gentlemen!Chrys.I swearThere never lived a poet till now!Zoram.And thenThe music you have wedded to the words(I speak of this with some authority)Shames, in its flow of rhythmic melody,The counterpoint of Adam de la Halle!Phan.(bashfully). The merit is not altogether mine.I wrote the music—but I did not makeThis dainty instrument. Why, who could failTo charm, with such a mandolin as this?Zor.Believe me, the result would be the same,Whether your lordship chose to play uponThe simple tetrachord of MercuryThat knew no diatonic intervals,Or the elaborate dis-diapason(Four tetrachords, and one redundant note),Embracing in its perfect consonanceAll simple, double and inverted chords!Phan.(toChrysal). A wonderful musician—and a manOf infinite good taste!Zor.Why, from my birthI have made melope and counterpointMy favorite study.Phan.And you really careTo hear my work again, oh melodist?Zor.Again, my lord, and even then again!Phan.(recites). “When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails;“When scorpions vomit forth their poisonous scum;“When to the demon tryst gaunt witches come;“When noisome pestilence stalks through the glen,“Bellowing forth its enmity to men;“When ghastly toads scream loudly through the air;“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”Chrys.(in raptures). Why, where’s the cunning of the sorcererPlaced by the magic of such words as these?“When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;”Why, there’s an epithet might make day night,And shame the swallows to their couching place!“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails!”Why, here’s a blackness, Zoram, so intenseIt scares the very deities away!Phan.(explaining). “Still goddess” means the moon.Chrys.The moon—my lord?Of course—the moon! See how, in ignorance,We seek upon the surface of the waveFor pearls that lie uncounted fathoms deep.The darkness frightens e’en the moon away!The metaphor is perfect!Phan.(annoyed).No, no, no!The moon has not yet risen, sir! The moonFrightens the darkness—darkness don’t frighther!Why sits the genial Aristæus thereAll solitary? How d’you like my work?(Aside toChrysal) We’ll have some fun with him.(Aloud) Your verdict, come!Arist.I’m blunt and honest. I can’t teach my tongueTo lie, as Zoram here, and Chrysal do.I tell the truth, sir. If you want to knowMy estimate of what you’ve given us,I think your poetry contemptible—Your melody, my lord, beneath contempt.Phan.That’s rather strong.Arist.It’s strong, my lord, but true.I’m blunt—outspoken. If I’ve angered you,So much the worse; I always speak the truth.Chrys.Heed not the yelping of this surly cur,Naught satisfies him, Phanor!Arist.There you’re wrong,For I was satisfied to hear it once;’Twas you that wanted it a second time!Chrys.Back to your kennel, sham Diogenes!Arist.I’m no Diogenes.Hespent his lifeSeeking an honest man.Ilive in courts.Zor.My lord, I pray you send the fellow hence,For he and we are always out of tune.An inharmonious bracketing of notes,Whose musical extremes don’t coalesce:He’s sharp and we are flat.Arist.Extremely flat!Chrys.He’s vinegar, my lord, and we are oil.Arist.Oil is a sickening insipid foodUnless it’s qualified with vinegar.I’m rough and honest. If I’ve angered you,I’ll go.Phan.No, no, you have not angered us.(Aside toZoram) I like the fellow’s humor—he may rave!I’m tired of hearing truths, so let him lie!But where’s Queen Altemire?Chrys.My lord, she comes—A perfect type of perfect womanhood.The dew of forty summers on her headHas but matured her beauty, by my life!For five-and-thirty years, a bud—and nowA rose full blown!Arist.Say over-blown.Phan.What’s that?Arist.My lord, the Queen’s too fat.Phan.Well, that may be,But don’t you tell her so. Your insolenceAmuses me—it won’t amuse the Queen:She has no sense of humor. So take care.Arist.My lord, I’m rough, but honest. I’ve a tongueThat can not frame a lie.Phan.But bear in mindBesides that very rough and honest tongue,You have a palate, and a set of teeth,And several delicate contrivancesThat aid digestion. Tell her she’s too fat,And she may take offense; and, if she does,She’ll throw that apparatus out of work:That’s all.Enter theQueenandMirza.Good morning, Altemire, my queen.Why, you seem sad.Altem.My lord, I’m very sad.Palmis.The Queen is sad! Zoram, attune your lyre,And soothe her melancholy.Altem.No, no, no—I’m not in cue for music—leave us, pray—I would take counsel with my lord—look, sirs,I am not well.[The threeCourtiersexeunt into house.Phan.(aside toPalmis).Palmis, what’s here amiss?What causes this? HaveIdone any thing?Palmis.I know not, but I think it bears uponYour daughter’s troth to brave Prince Philamir.Whenever we have spoken on the pointShe has commanded silence.Phan.Well, we’ll see.Chrysal awaits you—you may go to him;Talk to him of your pledge to marryhim,And he’ll not silence you. There, you may go.[ExitPalmisinto house.Now what’s the matter?Altem.Oh, I’m sick at heartWith apprehension! Our dear ZeolideTo-morrow is betrothed to Philamir,The bravest and the most accomplished PrinceIn Christendom. Phanor, she loves him not!Phan.What makes you think so?Altem.Phanor, you are blind!Why see how coldly Zeolide receivesHis songs of love—his bursts of metaphor:“I love you, Philamir,” and there’s an end.She will vouchsafe her spouse-elect no more—No tenderness—no reciprocity;A cold, half-sullen and half-wayward smile,And that is all. The maiden lavishesMore love upon her horse!Phan.Perhaps she thinksHer horse will bear such tokens of regardWith more discretion than her lover would!Altem.Phanor, I tell you she loves him not.I am a woman, with a woman’s tact.Phan.Shesaysshe loves him.Altem.So indeed she says,And says no more. Phanor, had I been woo’dWith ardent songs of overwhelming love,Framed by so fair a poet as Philamir,It would have turned my giddy woman’s brain,And thrilled my reason to its very core!Phan.I never thought my wooing poetry,Now I begin to think it may have been.Mirza.Oh, sir,Ilove the Princess. Pause beforeYou sacrifice her earthly happinessFor sordid ends of selfish policy.The Prince is rich. What then? The girl is poor.But what is wealth of gold to wealth of love?What famine’s so deplorable as hisWho hungers for a love he can not find?What luxury so wearisome as hersWho’s surfeited with love she values not?King Phanor, let the Princess be released!Altem.My lady Mirza, you forget yourself!Mirza.I do forget myself, rememb’ring her;I have her happiness at heart. The maidIs more than life to me. Forgive me, Queen.I could not help but speak.Phan.Well, say no more.I’ll question her, and if it then appearsShe loves not Philamir, she shall be free.I also love the girl—but, here she comes.I’ll find some test which shall decide the point.[ExitPhanorinto house.EnterZeolide.Altem.My daughter, where’s the Prince?Zeo.I can not say;I saw his highness yesterday, but sinceHave not set eyes on him.Altem.Has he returnedFrom hunting?Zeo.Yes, I heard the Prince’s voiceNot half an hour ago.Altem.And, in return,You made no sign to him?Zeo.No sign, indeed.I heard his song—’twas very sweetly sung,It told of love—it called for no reply.Altem.A song of love that called for no reply?Zeo.It asked no question, mother.Altem.Surely, girl,There may be questions that are not expressed.Zeo.And answers, mother—mine was one of them!Altem.Come, Zeolide, I’ve much to say to you.Renounce Prince Philamir ere ’tis too late!He will release you; he is proud and brave,And would not force a hated life on you.Come, Zeolide, throw off this weary bond,And marry whom you love, or marry none!Zeo.As I am bound, dear mother, I’ll remain,So let me stay with Mirza.Altem.(annoyed).You can stay![ExitQueen Altemireinto house, glancing angrily atMirza;Zeolidenotices this with some surprise.Zeo.Why, Mirza, how my mother frowns at you!How have you angered her?Mirza.I love you well;And when I told her of my sister-love,In words more passionate than politic,The Queen rebuked me sternly.Zeo.Oh, for shame!Mirza.She is your mother, and she claims your love,And can not brook that I should share that love.I can forgive the noble jealousyThat comes of woman’s love for woman.Zeo.Yes;For you are Mirza—queen of womankind—The best, the noblest woman in the world!Mirza.Why, here is warmth! and people call you coldBecause you are so cold to Philamir.Zeo.Why, Mirza, he’s a man!EnterPhilamirfrom house—he overhearsMirza.Mirza.A man indeed!The bravest warrior that wields a sword;The rarest poet that ever penned a lay;An admirable knight—gay, handsome, young,Brave, wealthy, and accomplished—with a tongueMight shame a siren’s!Zeo.Hush! a siren’s tongueIs not renowned for much sincerity.Mirza.Heis sincere.Zeo.Indeed, I hope he is!Phil.(coming forward). I thank you, Lady Mirza, for those words.Mirza.(coldly). I little thought that they were overheard.This is ungenerous, Prince Philamir.[Bows coldly and exit;Philamirrushes toZeolide, who receives him very quietly.Phil.Dear Zeolide, at last we are alone!Oh, I have longed for this!Zeo.Indeed! And why?Phil.And why? We can converse without reserve.Zeo.What should I say when we are quite aloneThat I should leave unsaid were others here?I can but say, “I love you,” Philamir.Phil.And is that all?Zeo.And is not that enough?Phil.All the world knows you love me!Zeo.That is whyI do not blush to own it in the world.Phil.But give me more—I loveyou, Zeolide,As the earth loves the sun!Zeo.The earth is gladTo see the sun, and asks no more than that.You would do well to imitate the earth.Phil.I am content to imitate the earth—I am content to sit and gaze at you,Tranced in a lazy glow of happiness;But if you speak and wake me from that trance,Wake me, dear Zeolide, with warmer words.“I love you!” Why I know you love me well!Say nothing, Zeolide, and I’m content.If you say any thing, say more than that!Zeo.What words could I employ which, tested inThe crucible of unimpassioned truth,Would not resolve themselves into those three?Now I must go—your sun’s about to set—So farewell earth!Phil.And when the sun is downThe earth is inconsolable!Zeo.UntilThe moon appears! Perhaps there is a moonThat fills my place until I rise again?Phil.No moon, dear Zeolide; or, if there be,She floats in one perpetual eclipse!Zeo.The moon is not the less a moon becauseThe earth thinks fit to hide her from the sun!Phil.Nay; you pursue the metaphor too far.If I, the earth, conceal a nightly moon,Why you, the sun, have many worlds to warm,And some are nearer to you than this earth!Zeo.Hush, Philamir! I’m ready to believeThat you’re an earth that knows no moon at all,If you’ll allow that I, although a sun,Consent to warm no other world than this!(Kissing his forehead, and going.)Phil.Oh, do not leave me thus, dear Zeolide.I am a beggar, begging charity;Throw me more coin that bears the stamp of love!Zeo.I have one coin that bears that holy stamp—I give you that—I have no more to give.Phil.Tell me its value, then, in words of love!Zeo.What! would you have me advertise my alms,And trumpet forth my largess to the world?Phil.Not to the world, dear Zeolide—to me!Zeo.Ah, you would have me say “Youare my world!”You see, I have the trick of ardent speech,And I could use it, were I so disposed.But surely, Philamir, the mendicantWho is not satisfied to take my almsUntil he knows how much that alms be worth,Can scarcely stand in need of alms at all!I love you, Philamir—be satisfied.Whose vows are made so earnestly as hersWho would deceive you by her earnestness?Why, if I sought to trick you, Philamir,I should select such phrases for my end—So passionate—and yet so delicate,So fierce—from overflow of gentle love,So furious—from excess of tenderness,That even your expressions of regard,Unbounded in their hot extravagance,Would pale before the fury ofmywords,And you, from very shame, would call them back,And beg my pardon for their want of warmth!I love you, Philamir—I’ll say no more![Exit.Phil.Gone! But I’ll follow her— (going).EnterPhanorfrom house.Phan.Stop, Philamir,If, as she says, she loves you, well and good;She’ll give you proof of it in her good time;But if she don’t, why take an old boy’s word(Who speaks of love with some authority),She’ll love you none the better for the warmthThat prompts you to perpetual persecution.The girl has taken this road—take you that.[Philamirstands irresolute, then goes off slowly, in the direction indicated.That’s good advice!EnterQueen Altemirefrom house.Altem.My lord, old Gélanor,The steward of your palace, has arrived,And waits without.Phan.We’ll see him presently.Altem.(with some hesitation).Now, do you know, I often wonder why,Possessing such a palace, furnished withThe rarest luxuries that wealth can buy,You hold your Court in this secluded place?I have been married to you eighteen years,Yet I have never seen this palace, whichStands barely twenty miles away, and whichYou visit regularly once a month.Phan.(rather confused). There are good reasons, Altemire.Altem.(angry).No doubt!Exceedingly good reasons! When a manMaintains a bachelor establishment,He has the best of reasons to declineTo take his wife there!Phan.You’re a jealous fool.Altem.Jealous I am, and possibly a fool,But not a fool for being jealous.Phan.Peace,And I will tell you why I take you not.That palace is enchanted. Every oneWho enters there is bound to speak the truth—The simple, unadulterated truth.To every question that is put to himHe must return the unaffected truth,And strange to say, while publishing the truthHe’s no idea that he is doing so;And while he lets innumerable catsOut of unnumbered bags, he quite believesThat all the while he’s tightening the stringsThat keep them from a too censorious world.What do you say to that?Altem.(amazed).Say? Would the worldWere one such palace, Phanor!Phan.If it were,At least we all should meet on equal terms;But to be taken from a world in whichThat influence don’t exist, and to be placedInside a fairy palace where it does(Accompanied, moreover, by one’s wife),Might take one at a disadvantage!Altem.Well,I am prepared to undergo the testIf you’ll accompany me.Phan.No, no, no!You are a worthy woman, Altemire,But, Altemire, you have your faults!Altem.My lord,I am a woman!Phan.Yes, exactly so;If you werenota woman, Altemire,Or, being one, were some one else’s wife,I’d take you there to-morrow!Altem.But, my lord,Why won’t you take me, being what I am?Phan.Because, my wife, I don’t know what you are.Altem.You know, at least, that I’m a faithful wife.Phan.I think you’re more than faithful. I believeYou are a perfect woman, Altemire,A pattern as a mother and a wife—And, so believing, why I do not careTo run the risk of being undeceived!Altem.(annoyed). My lord, you are unjust! Can you believeI should expose myself to such a testHad I been guilty of unfaithfulness?I am no perfect woman, Phanor. I have faultsThat advertise themselves. No need to sayThat I’m quick-tempered, jealous, over-proneTo underrate the worth of womankind—Impetuous—unreasonable—vain—I am a woman, with a woman’s faults.But, being woman, Phanor, I’m a wife;And, in that I am one, I need not blush.You have some better reason. PossiblyYou dread the palace on your own account?Phan.I dread the palace, Altemire? No, no.I am a child of impulse. All my faultsLie on the surface. I have naught to hide.Such little faults as sully me you know.Altem.Or guess.Phan.Ha! Am I then to understandMy Queen suspects her husband?Altem.Yes, you are!Phan.Then this decides me. Youshallgo with me.Altem.But—Phan.Not a word—King Phanor can not brookThe breath of jealousy. With all his faultsHis married life has been as pure as snow.We two will go this morning.Altem.Stay! A thought!Let us take Zeolide and Philamir,They shall not know the fairy influenceTo which they are subjected. If the maidDoes not love Philamir, she’ll show it then,And the betrothal can be canceled. IfShe loves him, why, she’ll show it all the more:Then the betrothal shall be ratified.Phan.Wewilltake Zeolide and Philamir,Chrysal and Zoram—Aristæus too,And Palmis—yes, and blameless Lady Mirza—Mirza, the good, the beautiful, the pure!Altem.Mirza! Eternal Mirza! EverywhereI hear her irritating virtues praised!I’m weary of the woman!Phan.Stop a bit,Till we are in the palace. Then we’ll learnNot only your opinion of her worth,But also why you hold it.Altem.Well, well, well!The maid is young and beautiful, and IAm envious of that youth and beauty. See,I can anticipate the influenceTo which I’m going to subject myself.There I was wrong. Mirzashallgo with us,And by her conduct under such a test,Prove the injustice of my estimate.I’ll go and warn the Court.[ExitQueen Altemireinto house.Phan.The course I takeIs rather rash, but the experimentWill not be destitute of interest.EnterGélanorfrom house.Well, Gélanor, what tidings do you bring?About our palace?Gélan.Sir, the old, old tale.Men come and go—and women come and go.Although the palace gates are opened wideTo rich and poor alike—and rich and poorAlike receive full hospitalityFor any length of time they care to stay,Few care to stay above a day or two.Free entertainment in a princely homeIs little valued when it’s coupled withThe disadvantage of a dwelling-placeWhere every one is bound to speak the truth.When does my lord propose to start?Phan.To-day.But this time not alone, good Gélanor.Gélan.And who is to accompany you, sir?Phan.My wife.Gélan.Your wife?Phan.My wife.Gélan.Great heavens, my lord,Have you reflected?Phan.Yes.Gélan.To any placeWhere one is bound to speak the baldest truthConcerning all the actions of one’s life,It’s hardly politic to take one’s wife!Phan.Oh, I’ve the fullest confidence in her.She’s a good woman, Gélanor.Gélan.Ah, sir,I have seen married couples by the score,Who, when they passed within our crystal walls,Have boldly advertised themselves preparedTo stake their souls upon each other’s faith—But who, before they’ve spent an hour at mostUnder the castle’s mystic influence,Have separated ne’er to meet again!Oh, have a care!Phan.Queen Altemire knows all,And knowing all she fears not for herself,So I’ve no fear for her!Gélan.Butyou, my liege—How will you bear yourself ’neath such a test?You have been married nearly eighteen years:That’s a long time!EnterMirza, unobserved.Phan.Well, yes—I’ve thought of that.I’m a good husband—as good husbands go.I love my wife—but still—you understand—Boys will be boys! Thereisa point or two—Say two, as being nearer to the mark—On which I do not altogether careTo stand examination by my wife.Perhaps I may have given out that I’veBeen dininghere—when I’ve been diningthere—I may have said “with A”—when ’twas with B—I may have said “withhim”—when ’twas withher—Distinctions such as these, good Gélanor,Though strangely unimportant in themselves,Still have a value, which the female mind’sParticularly quick to apprehend.Now here’s a talisman—a crystal box—(producing it).Whoever carries this within those wallsMay overcome the castle’s influence,And utter truth or falsehood as he wills.I should do well, I think, to take this box?Gélan.From all accounts, my lord, I think you would!(SeesMirza) Ahem! We are observed!Mirza.My lord, I trustMy presence here is not inopportune?I will withdraw.Phan.No, Lady Mirza, no!I was exhibiting to GélanorA curious specimen of crystal work—He understands such things.Mirza.(taking box).And so do I.How marvelously pure! No single flawAffects its exquisite transparency!A perfect emblem of a spotless life!Gélan.But, Lady Mirza, perfect spotlessnessIs apt to smack of insipidity.Mirza.No—hold it to the light, and see the change!See how its exquisite prismatic hues,Under the influence of searching light,Are instantly made clear and manifest.As shines this crystal in the sun, so shinesA perfect woman in the light of truth.The modest beauties of a spotless lifeRemain unknown and unsuspected, tillA ray of truth-light starts them into life,And shows them—all unwilling—to the world!Gélan.But there are hidden qualities of soulThat even truth can not detect. SupposeThis crystal, peerless in its spotlessness,Turned out to be a potent talisman,With power to work all kinds of devilry?There are such things!Phan.(aside).Why there are women, too(I have known many such), to whom the boxMight still be very properly compared!Mirza.Impossible, my lord. I’ll not believeThat aught so beautiful could be so base.(Returning it) I thank you, sir. I’ve read a lesson hereThat I shall take good heed to profit by.Enter theQueen Altemire, withZeolide,Phanor,Aristæus,Zoram, andPalmis, from house.Altem.Here comes your Court, my lord.Phan.That’s well. My friends,I have a palace, twenty miles away—A lovely place, engirt with crystal walls;Its grounds will show fair flowers and shady groves,Huge forest trees, rare fountains, hill and dale.There’s hunting, fishing—eighteen years preserved!There the sun shines unclouded all day long.What say you—will you go?Chrys.Go? What care IWhether it rain or shine so that I mayBask in the sunshine of my King and Queen!Phan.In half an hour we start. Once there, our lifeShall be a song, and Aristæus here,The jolly, genial, laughing Aristæus,Shall strike the key-note!Arist.Well, I’ll do my best.Zor.But pray consider. If the intervalsThroughout the diatonic series, sir,Were mathematically equal, whyIt would not greatly matter, as you know,Upon what note your melody commenced.But as it is not so, we must respectThe intervals the melody demands.No key-note struck by Aristæus couldBe correspondent with those intervals!Phil.I’llgive the key-note. We will pass the dayBy quivering willows at the waterside,Lapped in a lazy luxury of love!There we’ll forget the world of work-a-day,And crown our happiness with songs of love!What say you, dearest Zeolide?Zeo.I’ve saidAs much as it is maidenly to say—I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

Scene.—Garden ofKing Phanor’sCountry House.King Phanordiscovered withChrysal,Zoram,Aristæus, andPalmis.Aristæusis standing sulkily apart.

As the curtain rises,King Phanoris finishing a recitation which he is accompanying on a mandolin, in a very affected manner.

Phanor.“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”(ZoramandChrysalapplaud vigorously.)

Phanor.“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”

(ZoramandChrysalapplaud vigorously.)

Chrysal.My lord, I pray you read it once again,My ears are greedy for the golden sound.

Chrysal.My lord, I pray you read it once again,

My ears are greedy for the golden sound.

Phan.Chrysal, you make me blush!

Chrys.My lord, a blushIs modesty’s sole herald—and true worthIs ever modest. Pray you, sir, again!

Chrys.My lord, a blush

Is modesty’s sole herald—and true worth

Is ever modest. Pray you, sir, again!

Phan.It’s a poor thing—a string of platitudes—Stale metaphors—time-honored similes.I’m a poor poet, gentlemen!

Phan.It’s a poor thing—a string of platitudes—

Stale metaphors—time-honored similes.

I’m a poor poet, gentlemen!

Chrys.I swearThere never lived a poet till now!

Chrys.I swear

There never lived a poet till now!

Zoram.And thenThe music you have wedded to the words(I speak of this with some authority)Shames, in its flow of rhythmic melody,The counterpoint of Adam de la Halle!

Zoram.And then

The music you have wedded to the words

(I speak of this with some authority)

Shames, in its flow of rhythmic melody,

The counterpoint of Adam de la Halle!

Phan.(bashfully). The merit is not altogether mine.I wrote the music—but I did not makeThis dainty instrument. Why, who could failTo charm, with such a mandolin as this?

Phan.(bashfully). The merit is not altogether mine.

I wrote the music—but I did not make

This dainty instrument. Why, who could fail

To charm, with such a mandolin as this?

Zor.Believe me, the result would be the same,Whether your lordship chose to play uponThe simple tetrachord of MercuryThat knew no diatonic intervals,Or the elaborate dis-diapason(Four tetrachords, and one redundant note),Embracing in its perfect consonanceAll simple, double and inverted chords!

Zor.Believe me, the result would be the same,

Whether your lordship chose to play upon

The simple tetrachord of Mercury

That knew no diatonic intervals,

Or the elaborate dis-diapason

(Four tetrachords, and one redundant note),

Embracing in its perfect consonance

All simple, double and inverted chords!

Phan.(toChrysal). A wonderful musician—and a manOf infinite good taste!

Phan.(toChrysal). A wonderful musician—and a man

Of infinite good taste!

Zor.Why, from my birthI have made melope and counterpointMy favorite study.

Zor.Why, from my birth

I have made melope and counterpoint

My favorite study.

Phan.And you really careTo hear my work again, oh melodist?

Phan.And you really care

To hear my work again, oh melodist?

Zor.Again, my lord, and even then again!

Phan.(recites). “When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails;“When scorpions vomit forth their poisonous scum;“When to the demon tryst gaunt witches come;“When noisome pestilence stalks through the glen,“Bellowing forth its enmity to men;“When ghastly toads scream loudly through the air;“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”

Phan.(recites). “When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;

“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails;

“When scorpions vomit forth their poisonous scum;

“When to the demon tryst gaunt witches come;

“When noisome pestilence stalks through the glen,

“Bellowing forth its enmity to men;

“When ghastly toads scream loudly through the air;

“Oh, I would not—no, I wouldnotbe there!”

Chrys.(in raptures). Why, where’s the cunning of the sorcererPlaced by the magic of such words as these?“When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;”Why, there’s an epithet might make day night,And shame the swallows to their couching place!“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails!”Why, here’s a blackness, Zoram, so intenseIt scares the very deities away!

Chrys.(in raptures). Why, where’s the cunning of the sorcerer

Placed by the magic of such words as these?

“When pitch-incrusted night aloft prevails;”

Why, there’s an epithet might make day night,

And shame the swallows to their couching place!

“When no still goddess through the mid-air sails!”

Why, here’s a blackness, Zoram, so intense

It scares the very deities away!

Phan.(explaining). “Still goddess” means the moon.

Chrys.The moon—my lord?Of course—the moon! See how, in ignorance,We seek upon the surface of the waveFor pearls that lie uncounted fathoms deep.The darkness frightens e’en the moon away!The metaphor is perfect!

Chrys.The moon—my lord?

Of course—the moon! See how, in ignorance,

We seek upon the surface of the wave

For pearls that lie uncounted fathoms deep.

The darkness frightens e’en the moon away!

The metaphor is perfect!

Phan.(annoyed).No, no, no!The moon has not yet risen, sir! The moonFrightens the darkness—darkness don’t frighther!Why sits the genial Aristæus thereAll solitary? How d’you like my work?(Aside toChrysal) We’ll have some fun with him.(Aloud) Your verdict, come!

Phan.(annoyed).No, no, no!

The moon has not yet risen, sir! The moon

Frightens the darkness—darkness don’t frighther!

Why sits the genial Aristæus there

All solitary? How d’you like my work?

(Aside toChrysal) We’ll have some fun with him.

(Aloud) Your verdict, come!

Arist.I’m blunt and honest. I can’t teach my tongueTo lie, as Zoram here, and Chrysal do.I tell the truth, sir. If you want to knowMy estimate of what you’ve given us,I think your poetry contemptible—Your melody, my lord, beneath contempt.

Arist.I’m blunt and honest. I can’t teach my tongue

To lie, as Zoram here, and Chrysal do.

I tell the truth, sir. If you want to know

My estimate of what you’ve given us,

I think your poetry contemptible—

Your melody, my lord, beneath contempt.

Phan.That’s rather strong.

Arist.It’s strong, my lord, but true.I’m blunt—outspoken. If I’ve angered you,So much the worse; I always speak the truth.

Arist.It’s strong, my lord, but true.

I’m blunt—outspoken. If I’ve angered you,

So much the worse; I always speak the truth.

Chrys.Heed not the yelping of this surly cur,Naught satisfies him, Phanor!

Chrys.Heed not the yelping of this surly cur,

Naught satisfies him, Phanor!

Arist.There you’re wrong,For I was satisfied to hear it once;’Twas you that wanted it a second time!

Arist.There you’re wrong,

For I was satisfied to hear it once;

’Twas you that wanted it a second time!

Chrys.Back to your kennel, sham Diogenes!

Arist.I’m no Diogenes.Hespent his lifeSeeking an honest man.Ilive in courts.

Arist.I’m no Diogenes.Hespent his life

Seeking an honest man.Ilive in courts.

Zor.My lord, I pray you send the fellow hence,For he and we are always out of tune.An inharmonious bracketing of notes,Whose musical extremes don’t coalesce:He’s sharp and we are flat.

Zor.My lord, I pray you send the fellow hence,

For he and we are always out of tune.

An inharmonious bracketing of notes,

Whose musical extremes don’t coalesce:

He’s sharp and we are flat.

Arist.Extremely flat!

Chrys.He’s vinegar, my lord, and we are oil.

Arist.Oil is a sickening insipid foodUnless it’s qualified with vinegar.I’m rough and honest. If I’ve angered you,I’ll go.

Arist.Oil is a sickening insipid food

Unless it’s qualified with vinegar.

I’m rough and honest. If I’ve angered you,

I’ll go.

Phan.No, no, you have not angered us.(Aside toZoram) I like the fellow’s humor—he may rave!I’m tired of hearing truths, so let him lie!But where’s Queen Altemire?

Phan.No, no, you have not angered us.

(Aside toZoram) I like the fellow’s humor—he may rave!

I’m tired of hearing truths, so let him lie!

But where’s Queen Altemire?

Chrys.My lord, she comes—A perfect type of perfect womanhood.The dew of forty summers on her headHas but matured her beauty, by my life!For five-and-thirty years, a bud—and nowA rose full blown!

Chrys.My lord, she comes—

A perfect type of perfect womanhood.

The dew of forty summers on her head

Has but matured her beauty, by my life!

For five-and-thirty years, a bud—and now

A rose full blown!

Arist.Say over-blown.

Phan.What’s that?

Arist.My lord, the Queen’s too fat.

Phan.Well, that may be,But don’t you tell her so. Your insolenceAmuses me—it won’t amuse the Queen:She has no sense of humor. So take care.

Phan.Well, that may be,

But don’t you tell her so. Your insolence

Amuses me—it won’t amuse the Queen:

She has no sense of humor. So take care.

Arist.My lord, I’m rough, but honest. I’ve a tongueThat can not frame a lie.

Arist.My lord, I’m rough, but honest. I’ve a tongue

That can not frame a lie.

Phan.But bear in mindBesides that very rough and honest tongue,You have a palate, and a set of teeth,And several delicate contrivancesThat aid digestion. Tell her she’s too fat,And she may take offense; and, if she does,She’ll throw that apparatus out of work:That’s all.

Phan.But bear in mind

Besides that very rough and honest tongue,

You have a palate, and a set of teeth,

And several delicate contrivances

That aid digestion. Tell her she’s too fat,

And she may take offense; and, if she does,

She’ll throw that apparatus out of work:

That’s all.

Enter theQueenandMirza.

Good morning, Altemire, my queen.Why, you seem sad.

Good morning, Altemire, my queen.

Why, you seem sad.

Altem.My lord, I’m very sad.

Palmis.The Queen is sad! Zoram, attune your lyre,And soothe her melancholy.

Palmis.The Queen is sad! Zoram, attune your lyre,

And soothe her melancholy.

Altem.No, no, no—I’m not in cue for music—leave us, pray—I would take counsel with my lord—look, sirs,I am not well.[The threeCourtiersexeunt into house.

Altem.No, no, no—

I’m not in cue for music—leave us, pray—

I would take counsel with my lord—look, sirs,

I am not well.

[The threeCourtiersexeunt into house.

Phan.(aside toPalmis).Palmis, what’s here amiss?What causes this? HaveIdone any thing?

Phan.(aside toPalmis).Palmis, what’s here amiss?

What causes this? HaveIdone any thing?

Palmis.I know not, but I think it bears uponYour daughter’s troth to brave Prince Philamir.Whenever we have spoken on the pointShe has commanded silence.

Palmis.I know not, but I think it bears upon

Your daughter’s troth to brave Prince Philamir.

Whenever we have spoken on the point

She has commanded silence.

Phan.Well, we’ll see.Chrysal awaits you—you may go to him;Talk to him of your pledge to marryhim,And he’ll not silence you. There, you may go.[ExitPalmisinto house.Now what’s the matter?

Phan.Well, we’ll see.

Chrysal awaits you—you may go to him;

Talk to him of your pledge to marryhim,

And he’ll not silence you. There, you may go.

[ExitPalmisinto house.

Now what’s the matter?

Altem.Oh, I’m sick at heartWith apprehension! Our dear ZeolideTo-morrow is betrothed to Philamir,The bravest and the most accomplished PrinceIn Christendom. Phanor, she loves him not!

Altem.Oh, I’m sick at heart

With apprehension! Our dear Zeolide

To-morrow is betrothed to Philamir,

The bravest and the most accomplished Prince

In Christendom. Phanor, she loves him not!

Phan.What makes you think so?

Altem.Phanor, you are blind!Why see how coldly Zeolide receivesHis songs of love—his bursts of metaphor:“I love you, Philamir,” and there’s an end.She will vouchsafe her spouse-elect no more—No tenderness—no reciprocity;A cold, half-sullen and half-wayward smile,And that is all. The maiden lavishesMore love upon her horse!

Altem.Phanor, you are blind!

Why see how coldly Zeolide receives

His songs of love—his bursts of metaphor:

“I love you, Philamir,” and there’s an end.

She will vouchsafe her spouse-elect no more—

No tenderness—no reciprocity;

A cold, half-sullen and half-wayward smile,

And that is all. The maiden lavishes

More love upon her horse!

Phan.Perhaps she thinksHer horse will bear such tokens of regardWith more discretion than her lover would!

Phan.Perhaps she thinks

Her horse will bear such tokens of regard

With more discretion than her lover would!

Altem.Phanor, I tell you she loves him not.I am a woman, with a woman’s tact.

Altem.Phanor, I tell you she loves him not.

I am a woman, with a woman’s tact.

Phan.Shesaysshe loves him.

Altem.So indeed she says,And says no more. Phanor, had I been woo’dWith ardent songs of overwhelming love,Framed by so fair a poet as Philamir,It would have turned my giddy woman’s brain,And thrilled my reason to its very core!

Altem.So indeed she says,

And says no more. Phanor, had I been woo’d

With ardent songs of overwhelming love,

Framed by so fair a poet as Philamir,

It would have turned my giddy woman’s brain,

And thrilled my reason to its very core!

Phan.I never thought my wooing poetry,Now I begin to think it may have been.

Phan.I never thought my wooing poetry,

Now I begin to think it may have been.

Mirza.Oh, sir,Ilove the Princess. Pause beforeYou sacrifice her earthly happinessFor sordid ends of selfish policy.The Prince is rich. What then? The girl is poor.But what is wealth of gold to wealth of love?What famine’s so deplorable as hisWho hungers for a love he can not find?What luxury so wearisome as hersWho’s surfeited with love she values not?King Phanor, let the Princess be released!

Mirza.Oh, sir,Ilove the Princess. Pause before

You sacrifice her earthly happiness

For sordid ends of selfish policy.

The Prince is rich. What then? The girl is poor.

But what is wealth of gold to wealth of love?

What famine’s so deplorable as his

Who hungers for a love he can not find?

What luxury so wearisome as hers

Who’s surfeited with love she values not?

King Phanor, let the Princess be released!

Altem.My lady Mirza, you forget yourself!

Mirza.I do forget myself, rememb’ring her;I have her happiness at heart. The maidIs more than life to me. Forgive me, Queen.I could not help but speak.

Mirza.I do forget myself, rememb’ring her;

I have her happiness at heart. The maid

Is more than life to me. Forgive me, Queen.

I could not help but speak.

Phan.Well, say no more.I’ll question her, and if it then appearsShe loves not Philamir, she shall be free.I also love the girl—but, here she comes.I’ll find some test which shall decide the point.[ExitPhanorinto house.

Phan.Well, say no more.

I’ll question her, and if it then appears

She loves not Philamir, she shall be free.

I also love the girl—but, here she comes.

I’ll find some test which shall decide the point.

[ExitPhanorinto house.

EnterZeolide.

Altem.My daughter, where’s the Prince?

Zeo.I can not say;I saw his highness yesterday, but sinceHave not set eyes on him.

Zeo.I can not say;

I saw his highness yesterday, but since

Have not set eyes on him.

Altem.Has he returnedFrom hunting?

Altem.Has he returned

From hunting?

Zeo.Yes, I heard the Prince’s voiceNot half an hour ago.

Zeo.Yes, I heard the Prince’s voice

Not half an hour ago.

Altem.And, in return,You made no sign to him?

Altem.And, in return,

You made no sign to him?

Zeo.No sign, indeed.I heard his song—’twas very sweetly sung,It told of love—it called for no reply.

Zeo.No sign, indeed.

I heard his song—’twas very sweetly sung,

It told of love—it called for no reply.

Altem.A song of love that called for no reply?

Zeo.It asked no question, mother.

Altem.Surely, girl,There may be questions that are not expressed.

Altem.Surely, girl,

There may be questions that are not expressed.

Zeo.And answers, mother—mine was one of them!

Altem.Come, Zeolide, I’ve much to say to you.Renounce Prince Philamir ere ’tis too late!He will release you; he is proud and brave,And would not force a hated life on you.Come, Zeolide, throw off this weary bond,And marry whom you love, or marry none!

Altem.Come, Zeolide, I’ve much to say to you.

Renounce Prince Philamir ere ’tis too late!

He will release you; he is proud and brave,

And would not force a hated life on you.

Come, Zeolide, throw off this weary bond,

And marry whom you love, or marry none!

Zeo.As I am bound, dear mother, I’ll remain,So let me stay with Mirza.

Zeo.As I am bound, dear mother, I’ll remain,

So let me stay with Mirza.

Altem.(annoyed).You can stay![ExitQueen Altemireinto house, glancing angrily atMirza;Zeolidenotices this with some surprise.

Altem.(annoyed).You can stay!

[ExitQueen Altemireinto house, glancing angrily atMirza;Zeolidenotices this with some surprise.

Zeo.Why, Mirza, how my mother frowns at you!How have you angered her?

Zeo.Why, Mirza, how my mother frowns at you!

How have you angered her?

Mirza.I love you well;And when I told her of my sister-love,In words more passionate than politic,The Queen rebuked me sternly.

Mirza.I love you well;

And when I told her of my sister-love,

In words more passionate than politic,

The Queen rebuked me sternly.

Zeo.Oh, for shame!

Mirza.She is your mother, and she claims your love,And can not brook that I should share that love.I can forgive the noble jealousyThat comes of woman’s love for woman.

Mirza.She is your mother, and she claims your love,

And can not brook that I should share that love.

I can forgive the noble jealousy

That comes of woman’s love for woman.

Zeo.Yes;For you are Mirza—queen of womankind—The best, the noblest woman in the world!

Zeo.Yes;

For you are Mirza—queen of womankind—

The best, the noblest woman in the world!

Mirza.Why, here is warmth! and people call you coldBecause you are so cold to Philamir.

Mirza.Why, here is warmth! and people call you cold

Because you are so cold to Philamir.

Zeo.Why, Mirza, he’s a man!

EnterPhilamirfrom house—he overhearsMirza.

Mirza.A man indeed!The bravest warrior that wields a sword;The rarest poet that ever penned a lay;An admirable knight—gay, handsome, young,Brave, wealthy, and accomplished—with a tongueMight shame a siren’s!

Mirza.A man indeed!

The bravest warrior that wields a sword;

The rarest poet that ever penned a lay;

An admirable knight—gay, handsome, young,

Brave, wealthy, and accomplished—with a tongue

Might shame a siren’s!

Zeo.Hush! a siren’s tongueIs not renowned for much sincerity.

Zeo.Hush! a siren’s tongue

Is not renowned for much sincerity.

Mirza.Heis sincere.

Zeo.Indeed, I hope he is!

Phil.(coming forward). I thank you, Lady Mirza, for those words.

Mirza.(coldly). I little thought that they were overheard.This is ungenerous, Prince Philamir.[Bows coldly and exit;Philamirrushes toZeolide, who receives him very quietly.

Mirza.(coldly). I little thought that they were overheard.

This is ungenerous, Prince Philamir.

[Bows coldly and exit;Philamirrushes toZeolide, who receives him very quietly.

Phil.Dear Zeolide, at last we are alone!Oh, I have longed for this!

Phil.Dear Zeolide, at last we are alone!

Oh, I have longed for this!

Zeo.Indeed! And why?

Phil.And why? We can converse without reserve.

Zeo.What should I say when we are quite aloneThat I should leave unsaid were others here?I can but say, “I love you,” Philamir.

Zeo.What should I say when we are quite alone

That I should leave unsaid were others here?

I can but say, “I love you,” Philamir.

Phil.And is that all?

Zeo.And is not that enough?

Phil.All the world knows you love me!

Zeo.That is whyI do not blush to own it in the world.

Zeo.That is why

I do not blush to own it in the world.

Phil.But give me more—I loveyou, Zeolide,As the earth loves the sun!

Phil.But give me more—I loveyou, Zeolide,

As the earth loves the sun!

Zeo.The earth is gladTo see the sun, and asks no more than that.You would do well to imitate the earth.

Zeo.The earth is glad

To see the sun, and asks no more than that.

You would do well to imitate the earth.

Phil.I am content to imitate the earth—I am content to sit and gaze at you,Tranced in a lazy glow of happiness;But if you speak and wake me from that trance,Wake me, dear Zeolide, with warmer words.“I love you!” Why I know you love me well!Say nothing, Zeolide, and I’m content.If you say any thing, say more than that!

Phil.I am content to imitate the earth—

I am content to sit and gaze at you,

Tranced in a lazy glow of happiness;

But if you speak and wake me from that trance,

Wake me, dear Zeolide, with warmer words.

“I love you!” Why I know you love me well!

Say nothing, Zeolide, and I’m content.

If you say any thing, say more than that!

Zeo.What words could I employ which, tested inThe crucible of unimpassioned truth,Would not resolve themselves into those three?Now I must go—your sun’s about to set—So farewell earth!

Zeo.What words could I employ which, tested in

The crucible of unimpassioned truth,

Would not resolve themselves into those three?

Now I must go—your sun’s about to set—

So farewell earth!

Phil.And when the sun is downThe earth is inconsolable!

Phil.And when the sun is down

The earth is inconsolable!

Zeo.UntilThe moon appears! Perhaps there is a moonThat fills my place until I rise again?

Zeo.Until

The moon appears! Perhaps there is a moon

That fills my place until I rise again?

Phil.No moon, dear Zeolide; or, if there be,She floats in one perpetual eclipse!

Phil.No moon, dear Zeolide; or, if there be,

She floats in one perpetual eclipse!

Zeo.The moon is not the less a moon becauseThe earth thinks fit to hide her from the sun!

Zeo.The moon is not the less a moon because

The earth thinks fit to hide her from the sun!

Phil.Nay; you pursue the metaphor too far.If I, the earth, conceal a nightly moon,Why you, the sun, have many worlds to warm,And some are nearer to you than this earth!

Phil.Nay; you pursue the metaphor too far.

If I, the earth, conceal a nightly moon,

Why you, the sun, have many worlds to warm,

And some are nearer to you than this earth!

Zeo.Hush, Philamir! I’m ready to believeThat you’re an earth that knows no moon at all,If you’ll allow that I, although a sun,Consent to warm no other world than this!(Kissing his forehead, and going.)

Zeo.Hush, Philamir! I’m ready to believe

That you’re an earth that knows no moon at all,

If you’ll allow that I, although a sun,

Consent to warm no other world than this!

(Kissing his forehead, and going.)

Phil.Oh, do not leave me thus, dear Zeolide.I am a beggar, begging charity;Throw me more coin that bears the stamp of love!

Phil.Oh, do not leave me thus, dear Zeolide.

I am a beggar, begging charity;

Throw me more coin that bears the stamp of love!

Zeo.I have one coin that bears that holy stamp—I give you that—I have no more to give.

Zeo.I have one coin that bears that holy stamp—

I give you that—I have no more to give.

Phil.Tell me its value, then, in words of love!

Zeo.What! would you have me advertise my alms,And trumpet forth my largess to the world?

Zeo.What! would you have me advertise my alms,

And trumpet forth my largess to the world?

Phil.Not to the world, dear Zeolide—to me!

Zeo.Ah, you would have me say “Youare my world!”You see, I have the trick of ardent speech,And I could use it, were I so disposed.But surely, Philamir, the mendicantWho is not satisfied to take my almsUntil he knows how much that alms be worth,Can scarcely stand in need of alms at all!I love you, Philamir—be satisfied.Whose vows are made so earnestly as hersWho would deceive you by her earnestness?Why, if I sought to trick you, Philamir,I should select such phrases for my end—So passionate—and yet so delicate,So fierce—from overflow of gentle love,So furious—from excess of tenderness,That even your expressions of regard,Unbounded in their hot extravagance,Would pale before the fury ofmywords,And you, from very shame, would call them back,And beg my pardon for their want of warmth!I love you, Philamir—I’ll say no more![Exit.

Zeo.Ah, you would have me say “Youare my world!”

You see, I have the trick of ardent speech,

And I could use it, were I so disposed.

But surely, Philamir, the mendicant

Who is not satisfied to take my alms

Until he knows how much that alms be worth,

Can scarcely stand in need of alms at all!

I love you, Philamir—be satisfied.

Whose vows are made so earnestly as hers

Who would deceive you by her earnestness?

Why, if I sought to trick you, Philamir,

I should select such phrases for my end—

So passionate—and yet so delicate,

So fierce—from overflow of gentle love,

So furious—from excess of tenderness,

That even your expressions of regard,

Unbounded in their hot extravagance,

Would pale before the fury ofmywords,

And you, from very shame, would call them back,

And beg my pardon for their want of warmth!

I love you, Philamir—I’ll say no more!

[Exit.

Phil.Gone! But I’ll follow her— (going).

EnterPhanorfrom house.

Phan.Stop, Philamir,If, as she says, she loves you, well and good;She’ll give you proof of it in her good time;But if she don’t, why take an old boy’s word(Who speaks of love with some authority),She’ll love you none the better for the warmthThat prompts you to perpetual persecution.The girl has taken this road—take you that.[Philamirstands irresolute, then goes off slowly, in the direction indicated.That’s good advice!

Phan.Stop, Philamir,

If, as she says, she loves you, well and good;

She’ll give you proof of it in her good time;

But if she don’t, why take an old boy’s word

(Who speaks of love with some authority),

She’ll love you none the better for the warmth

That prompts you to perpetual persecution.

The girl has taken this road—take you that.

[Philamirstands irresolute, then goes off slowly, in the direction indicated.

That’s good advice!

EnterQueen Altemirefrom house.

Altem.My lord, old Gélanor,The steward of your palace, has arrived,And waits without.

Altem.My lord, old Gélanor,

The steward of your palace, has arrived,

And waits without.

Phan.We’ll see him presently.

Altem.(with some hesitation).Now, do you know, I often wonder why,Possessing such a palace, furnished withThe rarest luxuries that wealth can buy,You hold your Court in this secluded place?I have been married to you eighteen years,Yet I have never seen this palace, whichStands barely twenty miles away, and whichYou visit regularly once a month.

Altem.(with some hesitation).

Now, do you know, I often wonder why,

Possessing such a palace, furnished with

The rarest luxuries that wealth can buy,

You hold your Court in this secluded place?

I have been married to you eighteen years,

Yet I have never seen this palace, which

Stands barely twenty miles away, and which

You visit regularly once a month.

Phan.(rather confused). There are good reasons, Altemire.

Altem.(angry).No doubt!Exceedingly good reasons! When a manMaintains a bachelor establishment,He has the best of reasons to declineTo take his wife there!

Altem.(angry).No doubt!

Exceedingly good reasons! When a man

Maintains a bachelor establishment,

He has the best of reasons to decline

To take his wife there!

Phan.You’re a jealous fool.

Altem.Jealous I am, and possibly a fool,But not a fool for being jealous.

Altem.Jealous I am, and possibly a fool,

But not a fool for being jealous.

Phan.Peace,And I will tell you why I take you not.That palace is enchanted. Every oneWho enters there is bound to speak the truth—The simple, unadulterated truth.To every question that is put to himHe must return the unaffected truth,And strange to say, while publishing the truthHe’s no idea that he is doing so;And while he lets innumerable catsOut of unnumbered bags, he quite believesThat all the while he’s tightening the stringsThat keep them from a too censorious world.What do you say to that?

Phan.Peace,

And I will tell you why I take you not.

That palace is enchanted. Every one

Who enters there is bound to speak the truth—

The simple, unadulterated truth.

To every question that is put to him

He must return the unaffected truth,

And strange to say, while publishing the truth

He’s no idea that he is doing so;

And while he lets innumerable cats

Out of unnumbered bags, he quite believes

That all the while he’s tightening the strings

That keep them from a too censorious world.

What do you say to that?

Altem.(amazed).Say? Would the worldWere one such palace, Phanor!

Altem.(amazed).Say? Would the world

Were one such palace, Phanor!

Phan.If it were,At least we all should meet on equal terms;But to be taken from a world in whichThat influence don’t exist, and to be placedInside a fairy palace where it does(Accompanied, moreover, by one’s wife),Might take one at a disadvantage!

Phan.If it were,

At least we all should meet on equal terms;

But to be taken from a world in which

That influence don’t exist, and to be placed

Inside a fairy palace where it does

(Accompanied, moreover, by one’s wife),

Might take one at a disadvantage!

Altem.Well,I am prepared to undergo the testIf you’ll accompany me.

Altem.Well,

I am prepared to undergo the test

If you’ll accompany me.

Phan.No, no, no!You are a worthy woman, Altemire,But, Altemire, you have your faults!

Phan.No, no, no!

You are a worthy woman, Altemire,

But, Altemire, you have your faults!

Altem.My lord,I am a woman!

Altem.My lord,

I am a woman!

Phan.Yes, exactly so;If you werenota woman, Altemire,Or, being one, were some one else’s wife,I’d take you there to-morrow!

Phan.Yes, exactly so;

If you werenota woman, Altemire,

Or, being one, were some one else’s wife,

I’d take you there to-morrow!

Altem.But, my lord,Why won’t you take me, being what I am?

Altem.But, my lord,

Why won’t you take me, being what I am?

Phan.Because, my wife, I don’t know what you are.

Altem.You know, at least, that I’m a faithful wife.

Phan.I think you’re more than faithful. I believeYou are a perfect woman, Altemire,A pattern as a mother and a wife—And, so believing, why I do not careTo run the risk of being undeceived!

Phan.I think you’re more than faithful. I believe

You are a perfect woman, Altemire,

A pattern as a mother and a wife—

And, so believing, why I do not care

To run the risk of being undeceived!

Altem.(annoyed). My lord, you are unjust! Can you believeI should expose myself to such a testHad I been guilty of unfaithfulness?I am no perfect woman, Phanor. I have faultsThat advertise themselves. No need to sayThat I’m quick-tempered, jealous, over-proneTo underrate the worth of womankind—Impetuous—unreasonable—vain—I am a woman, with a woman’s faults.But, being woman, Phanor, I’m a wife;And, in that I am one, I need not blush.You have some better reason. PossiblyYou dread the palace on your own account?

Altem.(annoyed). My lord, you are unjust! Can you believe

I should expose myself to such a test

Had I been guilty of unfaithfulness?

I am no perfect woman, Phanor. I have faults

That advertise themselves. No need to say

That I’m quick-tempered, jealous, over-prone

To underrate the worth of womankind—

Impetuous—unreasonable—vain—

I am a woman, with a woman’s faults.

But, being woman, Phanor, I’m a wife;

And, in that I am one, I need not blush.

You have some better reason. Possibly

You dread the palace on your own account?

Phan.I dread the palace, Altemire? No, no.I am a child of impulse. All my faultsLie on the surface. I have naught to hide.Such little faults as sully me you know.

Phan.I dread the palace, Altemire? No, no.

I am a child of impulse. All my faults

Lie on the surface. I have naught to hide.

Such little faults as sully me you know.

Altem.Or guess.

Phan.Ha! Am I then to understandMy Queen suspects her husband?

Phan.Ha! Am I then to understand

My Queen suspects her husband?

Altem.Yes, you are!

Phan.Then this decides me. Youshallgo with me.

Altem.But—

Phan.Not a word—King Phanor can not brookThe breath of jealousy. With all his faultsHis married life has been as pure as snow.We two will go this morning.

Phan.Not a word—King Phanor can not brook

The breath of jealousy. With all his faults

His married life has been as pure as snow.

We two will go this morning.

Altem.Stay! A thought!Let us take Zeolide and Philamir,They shall not know the fairy influenceTo which they are subjected. If the maidDoes not love Philamir, she’ll show it then,And the betrothal can be canceled. IfShe loves him, why, she’ll show it all the more:Then the betrothal shall be ratified.

Altem.Stay! A thought!

Let us take Zeolide and Philamir,

They shall not know the fairy influence

To which they are subjected. If the maid

Does not love Philamir, she’ll show it then,

And the betrothal can be canceled. If

She loves him, why, she’ll show it all the more:

Then the betrothal shall be ratified.

Phan.Wewilltake Zeolide and Philamir,Chrysal and Zoram—Aristæus too,And Palmis—yes, and blameless Lady Mirza—Mirza, the good, the beautiful, the pure!

Phan.Wewilltake Zeolide and Philamir,

Chrysal and Zoram—Aristæus too,

And Palmis—yes, and blameless Lady Mirza—

Mirza, the good, the beautiful, the pure!

Altem.Mirza! Eternal Mirza! EverywhereI hear her irritating virtues praised!I’m weary of the woman!

Altem.Mirza! Eternal Mirza! Everywhere

I hear her irritating virtues praised!

I’m weary of the woman!

Phan.Stop a bit,Till we are in the palace. Then we’ll learnNot only your opinion of her worth,But also why you hold it.

Phan.Stop a bit,

Till we are in the palace. Then we’ll learn

Not only your opinion of her worth,

But also why you hold it.

Altem.Well, well, well!The maid is young and beautiful, and IAm envious of that youth and beauty. See,I can anticipate the influenceTo which I’m going to subject myself.There I was wrong. Mirzashallgo with us,And by her conduct under such a test,Prove the injustice of my estimate.I’ll go and warn the Court.[ExitQueen Altemireinto house.

Altem.Well, well, well!

The maid is young and beautiful, and I

Am envious of that youth and beauty. See,

I can anticipate the influence

To which I’m going to subject myself.

There I was wrong. Mirzashallgo with us,

And by her conduct under such a test,

Prove the injustice of my estimate.

I’ll go and warn the Court.

[ExitQueen Altemireinto house.

Phan.The course I takeIs rather rash, but the experimentWill not be destitute of interest.

Phan.The course I take

Is rather rash, but the experiment

Will not be destitute of interest.

EnterGélanorfrom house.

Well, Gélanor, what tidings do you bring?About our palace?

Well, Gélanor, what tidings do you bring?

About our palace?

Gélan.Sir, the old, old tale.Men come and go—and women come and go.Although the palace gates are opened wideTo rich and poor alike—and rich and poorAlike receive full hospitalityFor any length of time they care to stay,Few care to stay above a day or two.Free entertainment in a princely homeIs little valued when it’s coupled withThe disadvantage of a dwelling-placeWhere every one is bound to speak the truth.When does my lord propose to start?

Gélan.Sir, the old, old tale.

Men come and go—and women come and go.

Although the palace gates are opened wide

To rich and poor alike—and rich and poor

Alike receive full hospitality

For any length of time they care to stay,

Few care to stay above a day or two.

Free entertainment in a princely home

Is little valued when it’s coupled with

The disadvantage of a dwelling-place

Where every one is bound to speak the truth.

When does my lord propose to start?

Phan.To-day.But this time not alone, good Gélanor.

Phan.To-day.

But this time not alone, good Gélanor.

Gélan.And who is to accompany you, sir?

Phan.My wife.

Gélan.Your wife?

Phan.My wife.

Gélan.Great heavens, my lord,Have you reflected?

Gélan.Great heavens, my lord,

Have you reflected?

Phan.Yes.

Gélan.To any placeWhere one is bound to speak the baldest truthConcerning all the actions of one’s life,It’s hardly politic to take one’s wife!

Gélan.To any place

Where one is bound to speak the baldest truth

Concerning all the actions of one’s life,

It’s hardly politic to take one’s wife!

Phan.Oh, I’ve the fullest confidence in her.She’s a good woman, Gélanor.

Phan.Oh, I’ve the fullest confidence in her.

She’s a good woman, Gélanor.

Gélan.Ah, sir,I have seen married couples by the score,Who, when they passed within our crystal walls,Have boldly advertised themselves preparedTo stake their souls upon each other’s faith—But who, before they’ve spent an hour at mostUnder the castle’s mystic influence,Have separated ne’er to meet again!Oh, have a care!

Gélan.Ah, sir,

I have seen married couples by the score,

Who, when they passed within our crystal walls,

Have boldly advertised themselves prepared

To stake their souls upon each other’s faith—

But who, before they’ve spent an hour at most

Under the castle’s mystic influence,

Have separated ne’er to meet again!

Oh, have a care!

Phan.Queen Altemire knows all,And knowing all she fears not for herself,So I’ve no fear for her!

Phan.Queen Altemire knows all,

And knowing all she fears not for herself,

So I’ve no fear for her!

Gélan.Butyou, my liege—How will you bear yourself ’neath such a test?You have been married nearly eighteen years:That’s a long time!

Gélan.Butyou, my liege—

How will you bear yourself ’neath such a test?

You have been married nearly eighteen years:

That’s a long time!

EnterMirza, unobserved.

Phan.Well, yes—I’ve thought of that.I’m a good husband—as good husbands go.I love my wife—but still—you understand—Boys will be boys! Thereisa point or two—Say two, as being nearer to the mark—On which I do not altogether careTo stand examination by my wife.Perhaps I may have given out that I’veBeen dininghere—when I’ve been diningthere—I may have said “with A”—when ’twas with B—I may have said “withhim”—when ’twas withher—Distinctions such as these, good Gélanor,Though strangely unimportant in themselves,Still have a value, which the female mind’sParticularly quick to apprehend.Now here’s a talisman—a crystal box—(producing it).Whoever carries this within those wallsMay overcome the castle’s influence,And utter truth or falsehood as he wills.I should do well, I think, to take this box?

Phan.Well, yes—I’ve thought of that.

I’m a good husband—as good husbands go.

I love my wife—but still—you understand—

Boys will be boys! Thereisa point or two—

Say two, as being nearer to the mark—

On which I do not altogether care

To stand examination by my wife.

Perhaps I may have given out that I’ve

Been dininghere—when I’ve been diningthere—

I may have said “with A”—when ’twas with B—

I may have said “withhim”—when ’twas withher—

Distinctions such as these, good Gélanor,

Though strangely unimportant in themselves,

Still have a value, which the female mind’s

Particularly quick to apprehend.

Now here’s a talisman—a crystal box—(producing it).

Whoever carries this within those walls

May overcome the castle’s influence,

And utter truth or falsehood as he wills.

I should do well, I think, to take this box?

Gélan.From all accounts, my lord, I think you would!(SeesMirza) Ahem! We are observed!

Gélan.From all accounts, my lord, I think you would!

(SeesMirza) Ahem! We are observed!

Mirza.My lord, I trustMy presence here is not inopportune?I will withdraw.

Mirza.My lord, I trust

My presence here is not inopportune?

I will withdraw.

Phan.No, Lady Mirza, no!I was exhibiting to GélanorA curious specimen of crystal work—He understands such things.

Phan.No, Lady Mirza, no!

I was exhibiting to Gélanor

A curious specimen of crystal work—

He understands such things.

Mirza.(taking box).And so do I.How marvelously pure! No single flawAffects its exquisite transparency!A perfect emblem of a spotless life!

Mirza.(taking box).And so do I.

How marvelously pure! No single flaw

Affects its exquisite transparency!

A perfect emblem of a spotless life!

Gélan.But, Lady Mirza, perfect spotlessnessIs apt to smack of insipidity.

Gélan.But, Lady Mirza, perfect spotlessness

Is apt to smack of insipidity.

Mirza.No—hold it to the light, and see the change!See how its exquisite prismatic hues,Under the influence of searching light,Are instantly made clear and manifest.As shines this crystal in the sun, so shinesA perfect woman in the light of truth.The modest beauties of a spotless lifeRemain unknown and unsuspected, tillA ray of truth-light starts them into life,And shows them—all unwilling—to the world!

Mirza.No—hold it to the light, and see the change!

See how its exquisite prismatic hues,

Under the influence of searching light,

Are instantly made clear and manifest.

As shines this crystal in the sun, so shines

A perfect woman in the light of truth.

The modest beauties of a spotless life

Remain unknown and unsuspected, till

A ray of truth-light starts them into life,

And shows them—all unwilling—to the world!

Gélan.But there are hidden qualities of soulThat even truth can not detect. SupposeThis crystal, peerless in its spotlessness,Turned out to be a potent talisman,With power to work all kinds of devilry?There are such things!

Gélan.But there are hidden qualities of soul

That even truth can not detect. Suppose

This crystal, peerless in its spotlessness,

Turned out to be a potent talisman,

With power to work all kinds of devilry?

There are such things!

Phan.(aside).Why there are women, too(I have known many such), to whom the boxMight still be very properly compared!

Phan.(aside).Why there are women, too

(I have known many such), to whom the box

Might still be very properly compared!

Mirza.Impossible, my lord. I’ll not believeThat aught so beautiful could be so base.(Returning it) I thank you, sir. I’ve read a lesson hereThat I shall take good heed to profit by.

Mirza.Impossible, my lord. I’ll not believe

That aught so beautiful could be so base.

(Returning it) I thank you, sir. I’ve read a lesson here

That I shall take good heed to profit by.

Enter theQueen Altemire, withZeolide,Phanor,Aristæus,Zoram, andPalmis, from house.

Altem.Here comes your Court, my lord.

Phan.That’s well. My friends,I have a palace, twenty miles away—A lovely place, engirt with crystal walls;Its grounds will show fair flowers and shady groves,Huge forest trees, rare fountains, hill and dale.There’s hunting, fishing—eighteen years preserved!There the sun shines unclouded all day long.What say you—will you go?

Phan.That’s well. My friends,

I have a palace, twenty miles away—

A lovely place, engirt with crystal walls;

Its grounds will show fair flowers and shady groves,

Huge forest trees, rare fountains, hill and dale.

There’s hunting, fishing—eighteen years preserved!

There the sun shines unclouded all day long.

What say you—will you go?

Chrys.Go? What care IWhether it rain or shine so that I mayBask in the sunshine of my King and Queen!

Chrys.Go? What care I

Whether it rain or shine so that I may

Bask in the sunshine of my King and Queen!

Phan.In half an hour we start. Once there, our lifeShall be a song, and Aristæus here,The jolly, genial, laughing Aristæus,Shall strike the key-note!

Phan.In half an hour we start. Once there, our life

Shall be a song, and Aristæus here,

The jolly, genial, laughing Aristæus,

Shall strike the key-note!

Arist.Well, I’ll do my best.

Zor.But pray consider. If the intervalsThroughout the diatonic series, sir,Were mathematically equal, whyIt would not greatly matter, as you know,Upon what note your melody commenced.But as it is not so, we must respectThe intervals the melody demands.No key-note struck by Aristæus couldBe correspondent with those intervals!

Zor.But pray consider. If the intervals

Throughout the diatonic series, sir,

Were mathematically equal, why

It would not greatly matter, as you know,

Upon what note your melody commenced.

But as it is not so, we must respect

The intervals the melody demands.

No key-note struck by Aristæus could

Be correspondent with those intervals!

Phil.I’llgive the key-note. We will pass the dayBy quivering willows at the waterside,Lapped in a lazy luxury of love!There we’ll forget the world of work-a-day,And crown our happiness with songs of love!What say you, dearest Zeolide?

Phil.I’llgive the key-note. We will pass the day

By quivering willows at the waterside,

Lapped in a lazy luxury of love!

There we’ll forget the world of work-a-day,

And crown our happiness with songs of love!

What say you, dearest Zeolide?

Zeo.I’ve saidAs much as it is maidenly to say—I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

Zeo.I’ve said

As much as it is maidenly to say—

I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

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