Ah! ask me an easier question;
I am older than any one thinks.
Why, I've perched on the eaves of Palmyra,
And slept on the breast of the Sphynx.
But yet I am young as the youngest,
With a heart that can never grow old,
For my work is Love's own inspiration,
Defiant of hunger and cold.
So, Fairies, to you let me bow my adieu.
Come, sprites, with a whir and a flurry,
To get this well done will be jolly great fun,
But I tell you we'll all have to hurry.
[Exeunt Genius and sprites.]
First Fairy. What a splendid fellow Genius of Thanksgiving is! So well preserved!
Second Fairy. Doubtless he may live a thousand years yet.
First Fairy. I hope he may.
Elgin. As fine a fellow as ever breathed. But, Fairies, the morning dawns. Have you further commands for your most willing servant?
First Fairy. No, thank you, boy. You have nobly done. We can only thank you.
Elgin. The Fairies' thanks are sweet reward. I go, then, to my mountain cave, where all the day I lie and sleep, and when night comes I wake again and fly and run in the sparkling night air. [Exit Elgin.]
Second Fairy. This night's work could not have been done save for that merry boy.
First Fairy. True. He is a treasure. But now we must remove the charm from Ethel, and waken her.