Ing. (Somewhat authoritatively.) Now, go on, I say.
Par. (Springing up in alarm.) Not now, I want more roses for my wreath! Yonder they grow, I will fetch them for myself. Take care of all my flowers and the wreath! [Throws the flowers into Ingomar’s lap and runs off.
Ing. (After a pause, without changing his position, speaking to himself in deep abstraction.)
“Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one.”
Maria Lovell’s translation from the German.
[1] Parthenia’s father having been taken prisoner by Ingomar’s followers, Parthenia voluntarily offers herself as hostage, while her father returns to Massilia to raise his ransom. Her offer has been accepted, and her father released.
CICELY AND THE BEARS.
I. “Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! ding-dong!” The bellman’s voice is loud and strong; So is his bell: “Oh, yes! ding-dong!” He wears a coat with golden lace; See how the people of the place Come running to hear what the bellman says! “Oh, yes! Sir Nicholas Hildebrand Has just returned from the Holy Land, And freely offers his heart and hand— Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! ding-dong!” All the women hurry along, Maids and widows, a clattering throng. “Oh, sir, you are hard to understand! To whom does he offer his heart and hand? Explain your meaning, we do command!” “Oh, yes! ding-dong! you shall understand! Oh, yes! Sir Nicholas Hildebrand Invites the ladies of this land To feast with him, in his castle strong, This very day at three. Ding-dong! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! ding-dong!” Then all the women went off to dress, Mary, Margaret, Bridget, Bess, Patty, and more than I can guess. They powdered their hair with golden dust, And bought new ribbons—they said they must— But none of them painted, we will trust. Long before the time arrives, All the women that could be wives Are dressed within an inch of their lives. Meanwhile Sir Nicholas Hildebrand Had brought with him from the Holy Land A couple of bears—Oh, that was grand! He tamed the bears, and they loved him true: Whatever he told them they would do— Hark! ’tis the town-clock striking two!