University of Virginia Library

Scene Sixth.

—The Royal Gardens—Night—The recovered treasure is pitched at the back of the stage, and occupies the whole centre of the scene—Strongback and the other Servants discovered—Enter Fortunio.
Strong.
There, sir, I've pitched the whole load in the garden,
For there's no other place will hold it.

For.
Pardon
Me, friend, but I am full of grief and care;
I cannot find my Comrade anywhere.

Strong.
Your horse?—is he not in the stable?

For.
No.
And I am on the rack! My Comrade, ho!
Answer! you can, unless you are a corse.
“My horse! my horse! a kingdom for my horse!”
Enter King and Princess attended by Minister, and followed by two Guards.
The Princess!

Prin.
Aye, you tremble, and with reason.
Sir, I accuse Fortunio of high treason.
Arrest him, gentlemen.

(the Guards seize him)
For.
Arrest! pray stay;
At Court it seems, this is a collar day.
'Tis shameful, sire—

Prin.
Almost as bad, young mister,
As kill a king and marry with his sister.

For.
As kill a king?

Prin.
Aye, traitor! 'twas my word.

For.
And marry with his sister?—how absurd!
Since it has come to this, I must speak out.
Madam, pray tell me, for I almost doubt—
Are you a lady?

Prin.
Do you hear him, brother?

For.
Because, if you are one,—why I'm another.

All.
A lady!

For.
Yes, a female woman, daughter
Of Baron Dunover.

King.
I always thought her
Too pretty for a man—unless 'twas me—
“The fair, the chaste, the inexpressive she!”

Prin.
Exposed—defeated! I shall burst with spite!
Oh! (falls in Minister's arms)


Min.
Sire!—She's choking!

King.
Verdict—Serve her right.
(Minister carries out Princess)
(to Fortunio)
A crown you merit.

For.
Half a one, I'd rather.

King.
Will you share mine?

For.
Sir, you must ask my father.

King.
Oh, let us fly to seek him!

Voice.
(without)
There's no need.

Music—the pile of treasure gradually opens, and discovers a magnificent Fairy Chariot, drawn by twenty-four sheep with golden fleeces, in which is the Fairy—In front of the chariot is Comrade.
Fairy.
He to your union has with joy agreed;
And I have hastened, in my own post-carriage,
To give consent and lustre to your marriage.

King.
(aside)
A carriage drawn by four-and-twenty sheep
With golden fleeces!—That's the flock to keep!

Fairy.
They shall be yours—the dower of your bride.

King.
(aside)
She heard me. (aloud)
Madam, I'm quite horrified.

Fairy.
Oh, no apologies! They're ewes and rams,
And will breed millions.

King.
Oh, the precious lambs!

Fairy.
(to Fortunio)
Had you not helped me, all this had been marr'd.
But kindly actions ever meet reward.

Finale—Air—“Here's to the maiden.”
For.
Here then our curtain we hasten to drop,—
Our folly indulgently view, sirs;
Don't for a moment to criticise stop,
For that would be folly in you, sirs.
Let the piece pass,
One of its class
At Easter may find an excuse with the mass.

Chorus.
Let the piece pass, &c.