A THIRD SISTER.
But what is this little Alladine, then, and why does he bear such ill-will to her?
ASTOLAINE.
It is a little Greek slave that came from the heart of Arcady….
He bears her no ill-will, but … Do you hear?—It is my father….
[Singing heard in the distance.] Hide yourselves behind the pillars
… He will have no one pass by this corridor.—[They hide.]
Enter ABLAMORE, singing and shaking a bunch of great keys.
ABLAMORE (sings).
Misfortune had three golden keys.
—He has no rescue for the Queen!—
Misfortune had three golden keys.
Go follow what your eyes have seen.
[Sits dejected on a bench, beside the door of Alladine's apartment, hums a little while longer, and soon goes to sleep, his arms hanging down and his head fallen.]
ASTOLAINE.
Come, come! make no noise. He has fallen asleep on the bench.—Oh, my poor old father! How white his hair has grown during these days! He is so weak, he is so unhappy, that sleep itself no longer brings him peace. It is three whole days now since I have dared to look upon his face….