Part 6 (1/2)
_Prince._ What a lovely lady! she must be a princess. Tell me, fair lady, are you a princess from the land of flowers?
_Cinderella._ I am not a princess, sir, but only a girl from the land of happy thoughts.
_Prince._ You say well, fair lady, for no one can look upon you without thoughts of love and joy.
_Cinderella._ And you, great Prince, have thoughts of great and n.o.ble deeds, have you not?
_Prince._ Yes, I have thoughts of great deeds, of brave men and fair ladies, of games and victories,--but now I have forgotten all but you.
_Cinderella._ Will you remember me to-morrow or shall I fade away like the dreams of night?
[Ill.u.s.tration]
_Prince._ No dreams could be fairer, but I hope you will not vanish as they do. If you do, I am quite sure that I shall find you!
_Cinderella._ Don't be too sure, for I am not what I seem. I am a princess only in your thoughts; really I am--
_Prince._ What? a flower, a star, a G.o.ddess?
_Cinderella._ No, only a woman--
_Prince._ The best of all, a woman! And now will the dream-woman dance with me?
_Cinderella._ With pleasure; what lovely music!--and so many pretty women. What beautiful rooms!
[_Cinderella, the Prince, her father, mother, sisters, and two gentlemen dance the minuet._]
_Prince._ Will you not tell me your name and where you live?
_Cinderella._ Both are a secret.
_Prince._ It makes no difference to me, for I know you, and that is enough.
_Cinderella._ I hear the clock! What hour is it striking?
_Prince._ Twelve--but that is early. You need not go?
_Cinderella._ Yes, I must, and quietly. Do not try to keep me, Prince--good night!
_Prince._ She is gone! and I do not know where she lives. How can I find her? I'll give another ball and hope she will come again.
[_All go out._]
SCENE IV.--_Cinderella's Home_
_Father._ Well, girlies, did you have a pleasant time at the ball?
_Katherine._ Oh, yes, papa, splendid! But did you see the lovely princess that came so late?
_Elizabeth._ She was the prettiest girl there. I wonder who she is!