But hope by dint of study to become,
In course of time, young women.

Melissa: (Eagerly) No, no, no --
Oh, don't do that! Is this indeed a man?
I've often heard of them, but, till to-day,
Never set eyes on one. They told me men
Were hideous, idiotic, and deformed!
They are quite as beautiful as women are!
As beautiful, they're infinitely more so!
Their cheeks have not that pulpy softness which
One gets so weary of in womankind:
Their features are more marked -- and -- oh, their
chins!
(Feeling Florian's chin)
How curious!

Florian: I fear it's rather rough.

Melissa: (Eagerly) Oh, don't apologize -- I like it so!

QUINTET (Psyche, Melissa, Cyril, Hilarion and Florian)
"The Woman of the Wisest Wit"

Psyche: The woman of the wisest win
May sometimes be mistaken, O!
In Ida's views, I must admit,
My faith is somewhat shaken O!

Cyril: On every other point than this
Her learning is untainted, O!
But Man's a theme with which she is
Entirely unacquainted, O!
--acquainted, O!
--acquainted, O!
Entirely unacquainted, O!

All: Then jump for joy and gaily bound,
The truth is found -- the truth is found!
Set bells a-ringing through the air--
Ring here and there and ev'rywhere--

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All: The truth is found -- the truth is found!

3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound,

All: The truth is found -- the truth is found!
And echo forth the joyous sound,
The truth is found -- the truth is found!

(Dance)

Melissa: My natural instinct teaches me
(And instinct is important, O!)
You're ev'rything you ought to be,