Plays of Near & Far

by Lord Dunsany

Oozizi: Lady, for a moment hear me. Come with me but a little while.

[She leads the Queen slowly by the arm back to the throne.

Lady, be seated here once more and take up the orb and sceptre in your small hands as of old.

[The Queen patiently does as she is told.

Now, if Destiny calls you, let him call to you as to a Queen. Now, if it be for no whim of those that pass, that you would go so far from here to that great mountain, say, seated upon your throne in the golden palace with sceptre and orb in hand, say would you go forth, lady?

Queen (almost dreaming): Aether Mountain calls.

[Oozizi bursts into tears. She helps the Queen by the arm from her throne and leads her part of the way to the door. There she stops. The Queen goes on to the door alone.

Oozizi: Farewell, lady.

[The Queen gazes out rapturously towards Aether Mountain. Then she walks back and embraces Oozizi.

Queen: Farewell, Oozizi.