Maiden
Now have I fully fixed upon my part.
Good-bye to dreams; for me a life of art!
Beloved art! Oh, realm serene and fair,
Above the mean and sordid world of care,
Above earth’s small ambitions and desires!
Art! art! the very word my soul inspires!
From foolish memories it sets me free.
Not what has been, but that which is to be
Absorbs me now. Adieu to vain regret!
The bow is tensely drawn—the target set.
[A knock at the door.]
Maid (aside)
The night is dark and chill; the hour is late.
Who knocks upon my door?
A Voice Outside
’Tis I, your fate!
Maid