Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/115

Rh The dear Princesses! I have always said That nobody could refuse them anything.

[ takes the cup in one hand. In the other he holds for a moment the hand of the. . Oh long, soft fingers and pale finger-tips, Well worthy to be laid in a king’s hand! Oh, you have fair white hands, for it is certain There is uncommon whiteness in these hands. But there is something comes into my mind, Princess, A little while before your birth, I saw your mother sitting by the road In a high chair; and when a leper passed, She pointed him the way into the town. He lifted up his hand and blessed her hand— I saw it with my own eyes. Hold out your hands; I will find out if they are contaminated, For it has come into my thoughts that maybe The King has sent me food and drink by hands That are contaminated. I would see all your hands. You’ve eyes of dancers; but hold out your hands, For it may be there are none sound among you.

[The have shrunk back in terror.

. He has called us lepers.

[ draws sword.