ROSARELLE
Two of the little things are dead; but the third is splendid.... I keep him in a gilt cage, by the window; and each time he sings....
THE FAIRY
Come, come, these little confidences are most interesting, but we've no time to lose. Everything must be settled to-night, for an opportunity like this comes only once to a man; and woe to him who lets it slip: he will never have another chance! But what we have to do now is to put our heads together and prepare for the great choice, which is to decide the happiness of two human beings first and of many others after that.
TYLTYL
(Greatly perturbed.) Must I make my choice at once and can I only choose one?...
THE FAIRY
Don't distress yourself; it's not your affair; it's not you who'll choose....
TYLTYL
(Utterly bewildered.) Not I who'll choose?...