 | Touching The Moon |  |
7
II.
Agatha's Room.A Moonlight Night—She is looking out of Window.
Agatha.
When I have touched the Moon! The Moon is there,
And seems to turn to silver all the air;
The weathercock upon the grey church spire
Looks like an arrow with a tail of fire,
But does not reach the Moon. When first it rose
It seemed to touch the trees in Bilberry Close;
If I climb up to-morrow. . . .
[Falls into a brown study and goes to sleep. Music—“Oh, rest thee, Babe, rest thee!” When the music is over, a loud tapping at Agatha's door.
Agatha
(aroused).
Ah, who is there?
Moon.
(outside).
The Moon.
Agatha.
The Moon? Before
I open, show a light outside the door.
[Looks through the keyhole.
It is the Moon, all round, and white, and bright!
Oh, Moon, how have you left the skies to-night
To come to me!
8
My dear, my time is short;
They think I'm hiding in a cloud for sport,
So, to save mischief, I must get back soon.
Agatha
(clapping her hands).
Oh, how I love you! O you darling Moon!
Do let me touch you!
Moon.
Dear, you may. I heard
What you were saying just now, every word;
I came on purpose.
[The Moon comes close to her and lets her touch his disc. Exit Moon suddenly.
Agatha.
He is gone away!
I touched the Moon. It all . . . seems . . . like . . . a play.
[Drops off gradually to sleep again. Music— Hadyn's “Surprise movement;” at the “big drum” note she starts up and looks out of the window.
Why there it is, and just the same as ever!
How soon it got back to its place! how clever!
Get to the Moon, I felt I never should,
But there was something else which was as good,
And better. The kind Moon came down to me,
9
Kind Moon! if there are any others still,
Who think they cannot do the thing they will
Or wish, till they have touched you, steal away
And visit them, as often as you may,
Tap at their doors, and let them speak to you;
The clouds will keep your secret if you do,
And happy hopes and wishes will come true.
[Music—“Bright be thy Dreams,” or anything you please.
| Touching The Moon | |