Queen
Don't talk absurdly, Phedro. Always is never more than now. And now is ever a part of eternity. Ah, I will make you more than you would dare ask if there is something to be done and you do it. Only I would rather not know the means. I would rather not be mixed up in the brew or it might sicken me afterwards to drink—of the Spring of Life.
Phedro
May I beg for the reason of my scheme to be left by your Majesty for a little?
Queen
Yes, yes, I go, Phedro. Oh, I would not have this if I thought it would deprive him of anything he really wanted, but he is ephemeral, aesthetic—in fact, he is a poet and doesn't really care for people. It is only for what they can make him feel that he likes them. Ah, how fascinating it is in him to be like that!
[Phedro bows over her hand, and she goes out. Sound of Dea's singing comes very near the stage. Phedro hides behind some tall shrubbery. Dea steps out, tenderly sniffing the air.]
Dea
At last the Queen is gone; the night is mine. What a fragrance, what an exciting fragrance! It is as if all the rose petals in the world were fighting in the air!
Phedro [stepping out, masked]