University of Virginia Library

Scene Third.

—Abode of the Fairy Soussio—The Fairy is discovered reclining on an ottoman.
Sous.
(rising)
I have been looking in the crystal ball
That hangs up yonder in my magic hall;
And in it I can see—nothing at all!
So I suppose nothing will come to pass,
Unless some bottle imp has spoiled the glass.
(bell rings)
Heyday! who rings so late the visitors' bell?
My god-daughter, returned with some young swell!
Enter Troutina and King Charming.
Why, child, what brings thee back to me so soon?
Art wed, and come to spend the honeymoon?

Trout.
Not married yet, but soon I hope to be!

(unveils)
Charm.
(starting)
Murder in Irish! what is this I see?

Trout.
Troutina, your affianced wife.

Charm.
My wife!

Trout.
Haven't you sworn you loved me more than life?

Charm.
Oh, horror! I'm the victim of some treason!

Trout.
Didn't you go to me your bended knees on;
And begged me not to let you hopeless linger,
And put this ring upon my wedding finger!

Charm.
I'm struck all of a heap, as if by thunder!
I've made a most abominable blunder.
A wife like this I could not live a day with!
She's one to run away from, not away with!
Hence let me fly!

Sous.
(touching him with wand)
All in good time, young master.
You seem a fast man, but I'll make you faster.

Charm.
(immovable)
My two King's feet to two Queen's heads are turned;
And but to make adhesive stamps have learned!
My boots have surely gutta-percha soles!
My stockings feel as if they had fallen in holes.
My legs, for the first time on earth, are sticks!

Sous.
So slippery a swain 'tis hard to fix—
But in a fix I think we have you now;
My gay Lothario, I'll teach you how,
To turn a poor girl's head with your base blarney,
And then desert her, à la Don Giovanni!
This is my god-child; off you've dared to carry her,
And you shall keep your promise, sir, and marry her.

Charm.
I marry one who, not to mince the matter,
Gives you the uglies even to look at her!
Never!

Sous.
Refuse my pet in this rude fashion!
Take care you do not put me in a passion—
Or I may put you into such a pickle,
That you'll be cured for life of being fickle!

Charm.
Fickle! I scorn your words, imperious Fairy!
I'm so far from it—I'm quite the contrary!
Florina is my love! with her alone
Will constant Charming share his heart and throne.

Sous.
If like a man you will not keep your word,
For seven long years I'll change you to a bird.

Charm.
With all my heart!

Trout.
With jealousy I burst!

Sous.
Then tremble!

Charm.
I defy you—do your worst!

Trio—Soussio, Troutina, Charming—“Norma.”
Sous.

Trout.

Charm.

Sous.

(touches Charming with her wand—he falls senseless on the ottoman, which sinks, as a golden cage rises, and in the place of Charming, is seen a Blue Bird— Tableau—Bird flies out of cage—Scene closes in)