(Standing in the middle of the stage, they take hands and kiss. Then they come to the front, left and right.)
So ends our fantasy—the slight design
Arisen and gone like sound in summer trees,
GIOCONDA. The burden such as every mind may seize—
That in all centuries life is goodly wine!
HILDA. Which has the more of joy, her age or mine,
We leave you to determine as you please.
GIOCONDA. Mine has the painting-schools—the Sienese,
Venetian and unchallenged Florentine.
HILDA. Mine has the knowledge that our mortal pains
Are fleeing from the skilled physician's arts.
GIOCONDA. Mine the delight of unspoiled hills and plains,
Fair speech, adventure, and romantic hearts.
HILDA. And mine a sense that, by the single sun
That all men share, the world for man is one.
1920.
