Oh, moss-roses, moss-roses, for the Princess Moss-Rose!
[Seizing the bouquet The Frog tosses it into the mug, and instantly long festoons of the flowers stream out of this, as from a fountain. Laughing delightedly, All seize these, as if they were the ribbons of a Maypole. Outside, joy-bells ring and music sounds. The Butler appears, beating on a gong. The mug with the Baby seen above its brim is borne aloft, and the gay procession passes on as the Curtain falls.]
THE SECOND EVENT
The Second Event takes place in the same hall. Everybody is now sixteen years older, for it is the sixteenth anniversary of the birth of the Princess Moss-Rose. The christening mug stands in the centre of the floor and in it grows a beautiful moss-rose bush. The Hunting Song again is heard, and when the Curtain rises we see the King ready to start off on his day’s sport. To him comes the Queen somewhat hurriedly.
The Queen.
My dear, surely you’re not going hunting to-day!
The King.
I had some idea of doing so, my love! The lions are complaining terribly that they don’t get enough exercise!
The Queen.