University of Virginia Library

II.

Dumps.
Prince, we have passed the Frontier. Woe is me!

Prince.
Only a very little. Let us see
What lies a little way beyond.

Dumps.
Oh, sad!
Do you not think a man may be too glad,
And in his gladness venture on too much?

[Weeps.
Prince.
Dumps, you are chilling to the very touch!
I will go further, man, I am so pleased;
Is this a time when I should be thus teased?
Come, what is here?

Dumps.
Vanity Fair, my lord;
You see it written up, upon that board.

[Cries from without of “All the fun of the fair, a penny!” “Walk up, ladies and gentlemen, just going to begin!” Rattles, tin-trumpets, drums, &c. The Prince and Dumps pause in front of a gaily got-up show. Cymbals and trumpets.
Black Showman.
I am the Great Black Showman! But, although
That is my name, I keep a gorgeous show;
Look in my magic glass, and you shall see,
The whole wide world in feast and revelry,
Wonders, bright things to long for, and to win—
Walk up, walk up! Just going to begin!

Prince.
My good Professor, I will see this show.

Dumps.
My Prince, I hope not—

[Clutching at him.
Prince.
Grumbler, let me go!

[Enters the Show.
Enter children with white sticks beating the bounds and singing.
Who is he that holds in sight
Fairest fair, and brightest bright,
Always sees them, always must,
Till the sea be dry as dust;
Till the sun in night goes out,
And the stars be whirled about,
And, beneath the darkened sky,
Every true thing turns a lie?
He who keeps the frontier-line,
For our country is divine,
And beyond it lies the land
Where the Great Black Show doth stand;
And the man who looks therein,
He shall lose and shall not win,
Shall not ever hold in sight
Fairest fair and brightest bright.