Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/393

 Princess (Gathering up her skirts).—Like this? (Gracefully crosses the rocks, then jumps.)

Miller (Surprised).—Oh, Your Grace!

Princess.—Could she cross better?

Miller (Frankly).—No, indeed.

Princess.—Do you not fear for her?

Miller.—No.

Princess.—But she does for you.

Miller.—She has no need to; why should she?

Princess (Ironically).—You think so? (Suddenly.) Now which way?

Miller (Points toward the forest).—There.

Princess (Taken aback).—But it is dark there, black. (Hesitates for a moment, then suddenly.) Are you armed?

Miller.—Are you afraid of me, My Lady Princess?

Princess.I have placed myself in your power.

Miller.—You have less to fear here than among your courtiers.

Princess.—I believe you. (Advances.) Perhaps that is the linden tree?

Miller.—Yes, our old linden.

Princess.—A beautiful tree; and how fragrant almost intoxicating! And a beautiful spot. So quiet? (Gazes at the linden.) Even the linden is silent.

Miller.—If it could only speak—

Princess.—But it does talk to you.

Miller.—To anyone who understands. But it speaks secretly.

Princess.—Why secretly?

Miller.—It dares not speak aloud. It recalls great wrongs.

Princess.—Wrongs?

Miller.—They have not told you about them, My Lady Princess.

Princess.—But the people are satisfied.

Miller.—They are frightened into silence.

Princess.—But they cannot get the best of you. But why these anxieties? I am tired out. (Seats herself under the linden.) It is most restful here. (To the .) Just for a little while. And do come nearer.

steps forward.

Princess.—Put the lantern down. What use is its flame here?