Anne. Who are you?
Second Mask. Fate! his fate!
Anne. Drop the bright mask and let me see!
The Second Mask drops her veil and shows the face of a dark lady. It needs not! I knew, I knew! Barren the ground beneath, No flowers, no fruit, spent arrows—
The Second Mask makes way for the Third who takes the tangle from her. The Second Mask glides away. Not the shears! Third Mask [winding the thread]. Not yet!
Anne. Who are you?
Third Mask. Fate! his fate!
Anne. A crown! My snake should know its fellow—is it so? The mask is lifted and reveals the face of Elizabeth. I do not fear the Queen—
Third Mask. Take back the thread!
She gives the distaff to the First Mask who has reappeared beside her and glides away.