Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/405

 and darts inside. ''follows her. The door slams. A rapid, excited turning of a key can be heard within the castle.''

Ivan.—Perhaps they’ll be quiet now. (Goes to the balustrade; half sitting on it, pulls a small pipe from his belt, lights it; at the same time bends down and looks ahead.) A light! Under the trees in the dark and aiming straight ahead. (Looks toward the stairs on the right.) There are two coming, and they are heading straight for here. The abominable race! (Rapidly crosses to the left and descends the steps.)

Princess (On the stairs on the right. Cannot be seen as yet).—Make a light here—so—O, everything is just as I imagined it to be—balustrades, old mouldering stairs!

stands on the uppermost step on the right, holding the lighted lantern.

Princess (Enters, stops)—And here—(viewing the building) ah, a strange, interesting, forsaken structure—And a spirit is in it, in the whole of if, in the oruaments.—O’ language of past centuries! (Turns to the rear:) And there! (Hurries to the balustrade, gazes silently; then:) And this is still another work of art. It is poetry—silent music. The lake as if fallen asleep by the light of the moon—what mysterious enchantment! (Suddenly turns about.) Have you ever been here before?

Miller.—Never at this time of night.

Princess.—Do you like it here?

Miller (With ardor).—A beautiful night.

Princess.—Indeed it is! On such a night beautiful dreams enter the soul. (To the .) The solitude!

Miller.—Shall you not be afraid here, Your Grace?

Princess.—Afraid? (Looks at him thoughtfully for a moment, then bursts forth.) Why do you hold the lantern?

Miller.—Not to forget—

Princess.—What?

Miller (Hesitates a moment).—My duty. (Sets the lantern on the balustrade; remains standing beside it.)

Princess.—You did more than your duty. I am grateful to you. But do rest a while before starting on your return journey. You said you were in no hurry and your people are at home.

Miller.—A little while will make no differece.