the rise of the curtain, she in a big chair,
they at her feet.]

BIA. And so the fairy laid a spell on her:
Henceforth she should be ugly as a toad.
But the good fairy, seeing this was done,
And having in no wise power to alter this,
Made all toads beautiful.

LITTLE ROSE-RED. They are not beautiful
Now, mother!

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. That was in another country!--
What country, mother? [Bianca, lost in thought, does not answer.]

LITTLE ROSE-RED. Where is father, mother?--
I have not seen him in so many days!

BIA. Father is gone away.

LITTLE ROSE-RED. Will he come back?

BIA. Nay. He will not come back. But we shall go
Where he is.

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Soon?

BIA. God grant it may be soon!
Now---shall we play a game?

[Enter Octavia.]

OCT. Bianca.

BIA. Ay.

OCT. It is a folly to remain indoors
Like this. You should be out in the sunshine.

BIA. Nay.
I have no business with the sunshine.

OCT. Ah,
My daughter, say not so!--The children, then,--
They have much need of it, and they have need
Of you, at the same time. Take them without.

BIA. I do not wish to be in the sunshine.

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Mother,
Come out of doors!

OCT. You see, now!

BIA. Do you run out, dears,
And play at ball. Mother will join you later.

LITTLE ROSE-RED. Where is my ball?

BIA. Nay, do you not remember?
We put it in the ear of the stone griffin,
Because he hears too much.

LITTLE ROSE-RED. Ay, so we did!

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE. Come on, Rose-Red! [Exeunt children.]

OCT. It is a curious thing
This friend of yours you rate so monstrous high
Has not come nigh you in your sore affliction!

BIA. I beg you not to speak of that again,
Mother. 'Tis the third time today you have said that,
Or hinted at it. And I answer always,
"There is some reason for it," as I should answer
Though you cried daily till the day of doom,
"It is a curious thing!" There is some reason,
There is some good reason why she does not come.

OCT. Oh, ay, I doubt it not! But there are reasons
And reasons!

BIA. And what am I to learn from that?

OCT. 'Tis scarce by reason of too much love for you
She leaves you friendless in your greatest need.

BIA. I cannot say. 'Tis one thing or another.
You have no words can turn me to believe
She has forgotten me, or loves me less.
'Tis a big thing, to leave me