Voice of the Bird.
Cock-a-doodle-do!
Sleep in thy regal bed!
(Dodon lies down, and instantly goes to sleep, as free from care as a child. Amelfa drives away the flies, bending over the bed. At first the guards sleepily call out to one another the words: “Reign, lying at ease.” Then the sweet charm of the mid-day nap overcomes them. All except Amelfa indulge in a long, sweet sleep. Silence reigns throughout the capital. The indefatigable flies alone buzz about Dodon, and the everlasting sun shines as before with his steady and welcome light.)
Amelfa.
All are asleep! All are weary!
All tired by the breath of Spring!
(She leans her elbows on the royal bed, and falls asleep beside Dodon, who smiles in his sleep, dreaming of some wonderful beauty who never existed.)
Voice of the Bird.
Cock-a-doodle-do!