BARBARA
Oh, tell me first—
PIPER
Why, sooth, the only charm
In it, is Love. It is clear well-water.
BARBARA [disappointed] Only well-water?
PIPER Love is only Love. It must be philters, then? [He comes down smiling and beckons to MICHAEL, who draws near, bewildered. This lady thirsts For magic! [He ties a long green scarf that he has over his shoulder, to a water-jar, and lowers it down the old well; while BARBARA watches, awe-struck. He continues to sing softly. Mind your eyes, Tune your tongue; Let it never he said, But sung,—but sung!—
MICHAEL
[to BARBARA, timidly]
I am glad at least, fair lady,
To think how my poor show did give you pleasure
That day—that day when—
BARBARA
Ah! that day of doom!
MICHAEL
What is your will?
BARBARA
[passionately]
I know not; and I care not!
[Apart]
Oh, it is true.—And he a sword-eater!
[The PIPER hauls up the jar, full of water.]
PIPER
Michael, your cup.
[MICHAEL gives him a drinking-horn from his belt. The PIPER fills it
with water, solemnly, and turns to BARBARA, who is at first defiant,
then fascinated.
Maiden, your ears. So:—hearken.
Before you drink of this, is it your will
Forever to be gone from Hamelin?