(Lady Harriet, maid of honor to the queen, has grown listless and pale, refusing to join in the court revels. Sir Tristan, an old knight, makes love to her; she will have nothing to say to him, and only asks to be let alone. She is tired of her conventional life, and longs for some new and strange adventure. The curtain rises on her richly furnished boudoir. Lady Harriet is lying listlessly on a couch or arm chair, before her dressing table. Nancy is putting finishing touches on her mistress' toilet. The ladies in attendance are grouped near the door in center.)
[No. 1.]
Chorus. Bright as are the stars of heaven,
Sweet as any April flow'r,
Gay of heart, of gentle bearing,
Bless'd with beauty's radiant dower,
Why so sad and pale with languor
Grows thy face, O lovely maid?
Why our friendly circle shunning,
Dost thou sigh alone,
As were some dawning joy delayed?
Every splendid gift of fortune,
All that riches can impart,
Waits upon the maiden's pleasure,
Nothing wins her heart.
(Nancy takes a bouquet of flowers from one of the ladies and offers it to Lady H.)
Nancy. See these flowers Sir Tristan sent.
Lady Harriet (pushing flowers away).
I've no heart for lovers' folly,
Every pleasure is at end.
Cho. Bright as are the stars of heaven, etc.
Nancy. Every splendid gift of fortune, etc.
Lady H. Ah, there's naught can win my sad and weary heart.
All your words are vain.
(Ladies in waiting leave stage.)