Hope.
In the great Court of Youth, Queen Sorrow reigns
And shadows lie like night on Douce-cœur's heart.
Poetry.
Bid him come hither. Haste thee on thy way.
[Exit Hope. Trumpet music. Herald heard off. "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"]
Service. Here comes the Herald!
[Enter Herald repeating "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"]
Herald [facing audience]. Know all whom it may concern throughout this realm, that as One has come and brought darkness on the Land, to all good people is this Proclamation made. Whoso can drive the Gray Woman forth, whoso can free the Princess Douce-cœur from her spell, whoso can bring back the sunshine to the Land, unto him will be given the half of the kingdom, and the Hand of the Princess Douce-cœur in marriage. Given on this day of June. "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
[Exit Herald. "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!" dies away in the distance.]
[Music. Enter Joy, Laughter, Song and Dance, followed by Princess Douce-cœur and Sorrow.]
Sorrow.
Ye children of the Court, your hour has struck.
Your doom of banishment has been pronounced,
For where I am there can ye never be.
Song.
Douce-cœur, I pray thee hear me. Let me sing
One of the old songs that we loved—may be
The memory of those happy days will rise
And lift the weight of sadness from thy face.