In this harsh world and old
Why must we cherish
Fires that grow not cold
In hearts that perish?
With the strong floods of hate
I cleansed my bosom,
But springeth soon and late
The fiery blossom.
What though some lying tale
The mind dissembles?
The scarlet lip turns pale,
The strong hand trembles....
THE SAILOR. No, no, not that one! That one hasn't any tune to it, and
it isn't about girls. It's no song at all. I meant the one--you know--
about the young widow. How did it go? (_He swigs from the flagon_.) But
I mustn't forget the Prince. Where's that Prince?
THE FOOL. Oh, yes, the Prince. Of course. We mustn't forget the Prince.
Come along with me. (_He leads the sailor off through the rose-arbour.
The door of the palace opens, disclosing the Prince and the Queen_.)
_He clasps her hands and then descends the steps_.
THE QUEEN. Wait!
_She runs down, and tenderly embraces him_.
THE PRINCE. Farewell.
THE QUEEN. Must you go?
THE PRINCE. I shall remember you always.
THE QUEEN. (_bitterly_) I suppose that is enough. . . .
_They come down the steps together_.
THE PRINCE. What is that you say?
THE QUEEN. I say that it is enough that you should think of me
sometimes on your long journey from the east to the west. To be
remembered--that is the portion of women.
THE PRINCE. You knew what manner of man I was, and that I would not be
detained. Why, if you must have the taste of kisses on your lips
always, did you not turn to some man of your own land, who would not
stray from your side? Why did you give your love to one you had never
seen before, and will never see again? I did not ask that you love me.
What you gave, I took.
THE QUEEN. I regret nothing that I have given. But I am sorry for you,
because you do not understand.
THE PRINCE. It may be that I do not understand. But I know that I may
not stay longer in this place. Would you ask me to do otherwise?
THE QUEEN. I would not ask you, no. If you understood, I would have no
need of asking. If all things in your life have not changed colour and
significance--if I have been to you but as a harlot to one of your
sailors,--then leave me.
THE PRINCE. (_confusedly_) It is not true that nothing has changed. My
mind is in a turmoil. I am dizzy, I cannot see. I have almost forgotten
why I set my heart on this journey. You have bewitched me, and that is
why I fear you. If I stay here with you any longer, I shall forget
everything. I must go.
THE QUEEN. (_her arms about him_) You have forgotten the meaning
of your journey. You will not go.
THE PENCE. I am going. . . .
_But he allows himself to be led to the arbour seat_.
THE QUEEN. It is too late. You are mine, now, mine for ever. It was for
this that you came hither--I am the meaning of your journey. It was
ordained that you love me. You must not think of anything else.
THE PRINCE. Why have you done this to me? Are you a witch? I am afraid
of you!
_He rises_.
THE QUEEN. I will teach you strange and terrible secrets.
THE PRINCE. I fear you and yet I trust you. What will come of this I do
not know. But I care for nothing. Nothing in the world means anything
to me now except you. Why is it that I seem to hate you?
_He seizes her and holds her fiercely_.
THE QUEEN. That is because you love me at last.
THE PRINCE. I could kill you.
THE QUEEN. You seek in vain to escape love.
_The sailor staggers in, sees the Prince, and stops_.