_The retreat of_ HIP LOONG, _the Wizard_.
_Time_: _the same night_.
_The curtain discovers_ MAH PHRU, _who has returned to human form_, _and
the Wizard together_.
_He tells her that he has restored her to her former state only because
she has implored him to do so_; _that her life is measured by hours as a
consequence of such insensate folly in breaking the vow of five years
back_.
"But the King will live," _she murmurs_.
"The King will live. He will find happiness with someone fairer than
you. That is well. Your life for his. It is the price."
"The price is nothing. Have I not looked on my heart's beloved one for
five years--looked on his face--heard his voice--trembled with joy at his
footsteps? Have I not waited and watched? Have I not gazed on my sons
and seen their royal bearing, and known their touch?"
"You are, then, content?"
"You are a Wizard--you can read that I am."
"It is not I that am a Wizard--it is Love. That is the only Wizard this
world knows."
CURTAIN