PRINCE. You cannot speak the word!
STEPMOTHER. Lud!
PRINCE. Oh, no!
STEPMOTHER. My Magdalene can speak it. May she come?
PRINCE. Yes, let her come.
STEPMOTHER. [Rising and speaking to the MAIDS] Blindfold the prince. Then in his arms we'll place a princess that is without a paragon in seven kingdoms.
SIGNE steps forward and covers the eyes of the Prince with a bandage.
STEPMOTHER. [Clapping her hands] Well—is she not coming?
The peacock makes a rattling noise with his bill; the doves begin to coo.
STEPMOTHER. What is the matter? Does my art desert me? Where is the bride?