ppy day that sets me free
From yon dread Ogre's prison!
Oh, happy world, since 'tis for me
Such rescuers have 'risen.
But see, your Majesty! the plight
Of Hero--he the Prince, my brother!
Wilt thou _his_ wrong not set aright?
Another favour grant! One other!
[_Titania waves wand toward Knight who springs at Witch with
drawn sword._
_Knight._ The spell! The spell that breaks the power
That holds Prince Hero in its thrall!
Now give it me, or in this hour
Thy head shall from its shoulders fall!
_Witch._ Pluck with your thumbs
Seven silver plums [_Speaking in high, cracked voice._
From my golden apple-tree!
These the dog must eat.
The change will be complete,
And a prince once more the dog will be!
[_Princess darts back into Orchard, followed by dog, who crouches
behind hedge, and is seen no more. She picks plums, and,
stooping, gives them to him, under cover of the hedge. The
real Prince Hero leaps up from the place where he has been
lying, waiting, and hand in hand they run back to the centre
of the stage, where the Prince receives the embraces of King
and Queen. Prince then turns to Knight._
_Prince Hero._ Hail, Feal the Faithful!
My gratitude I cannot tell,
That thou at last hath freed me
From the Witch's fearful spell.
But wheresoe'er thou goest,
Thou faithful knight and true,
The favours of my kingdom
Shall all be showered on you. [_Turns to Titania._
Hail, starry-winged Titania!
And ye fairies, rainbow-hued!
I have not words sufficient
To tell my gratitude,
But if the loyal service
Of a mortal ye should need,
Prince Hero lives to serve you,
No matter what the deed!
[_Characters now group themselves in tableau. Queen and Prince
on one side, Godmother and Titania on the other. King in
centre, with Princess on one hand, Knight on other. He
places her hand in the Knight's, who kneels to receive it. Ogre
and Witch, still making horrible faces, are slightly in background,
bound. Fairies form an outer semicircle._
_King._ And now, brave Knight, requited stand!
Here is the Princess Winsome's hand.
To-morrow thou shalt wedded be,
And half my kingdom is for thee!
_Fairy Chorus._ Love's golden cord has bound
The strongest Ogre's arm,
And the spell of the blackest Witch
Has yielded to its charm.
The Princess Winsome plights
Her troth to the Knight to-day,
So fairies, one and all,
We need no longer stay.
The golden
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