Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/407

 Princess.—Ah, that faint sound! Like a touching greeting from this beautiful night.

Miller.—Perhaps those musicians are seeking—

Princess (Hurriedly).—No, no, don’t mention any names. I do not care to know the hand or lips that awoke that harmony. I only wish to listen.—Do you hear! (A seondsecond [sic] short dueduet [sic].) How it is wafted through the mysterious calmness of the woods! How blissfully it dies away in the distance! And even after its completion it reawakens in a faint echo. (Standing directly beside him, she bends toward him.) Do you hear!—

Miller (Confused).—On such nights I used to hear from the old people—

Princess.—O, what does the past matter! On such nights the soul awakens.

Miller (Still more at a loss).—Your—Grace—

Princess (Suddenly).—Enough! No titles! Sometimes a mere word is like a frost, that which withers the swift-budding flower of feeling. Do not frighten away the birds which have begun to sing!

Miller (On his guard).—How can you treat me thus?

Princess (Suddenly).—I have confidence in you.

Miller.—I am an opponent of yours.

Princess.—O no, not any longer! And you must not be! You will come with me.

Miller.—Where? (As he starts in surprise, he strikes the lantern with his elbow.) O, the lantern!

Princess.—What of it, it will no longer be bothersome to you. You will come with me to the city, to the palace.

Miller.—To the city—I—to the palace?

Princess.—You are wasted here, you are fit for something different; I desire to have you there.—You will be happier there; there you will find a different world.

Miller.—And leave everything behind; forsake my land, my—(The thought frightens him; suddenly) Your grace, dismiss me!

Princess (Softly, coquettishly).—Are you afraid?

Miller.—I am. I am afraid of you.

Princess (Calmly).—Is it because I want to lift you out of the depths that you may live a different, a better life? You will be promoted as an official

Miller.—In that case I should serve even more than I am now obliged to with the lantern—