University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

The Attic of Sir Lionel on the third floor back.
Enter Sir Lionel, speaking as he enters.
Sir L.
Of wardrobe large I am not one to brag,
Just pop a clean—hem!—in my carpet-bag,
And I'll be off. Ah, me! it's very true,
We single men have double work to do.
Husbands no flying cords need ever chase,
Wives plead the best in every packing-case;
Whilst luckless bachelors their baggage cram
In one confused inextricable jam.
Ah, me! as with life's stream I vainly tussle,
I long to be a “float,” like Henry Russell.

Morgan La Faye, half fairy, half Welsh peasant, appears.
Morg.
Not as a float, but as a buoy, you speak.

Sir L.
Do boards give way?

Morg.
Yes, when they spring a leak.
Hur need not mind, hur has not yet forsook you.

Sir L.
A sprite! odd rabbit!

Morg.
Yes, a Welsh one, look you.

Sir L.
A Cambrian fairy! This is something new.
To quote a popular author, “Who are you?”

Song: “Jenny Jones.”
Morg.
My name's La Faye Morgan, I live in Llangollen,
I'm sent to protect those whom Merlin assails;
I know every castle and vale in the mountains,
And also know all the great mountains in Wales.
So, if you will follow, look you, my directions,
I'll bring you at once to the place where you'd rove;
For 'deed, goodness knows, I detest that old Merlin,
And aiding a knight is a task that I love.

Sir L.
But how to get there I should now be told.

Morg.
Hur thus will point the nearest way. Behold!

[Waves wand.