King. That I cannot do upon this day of days. Madam, I know you not, yet, for the Princess’s sake, I bid you welcome.
Winter. You know me not? That is passing strange. But Your Majesty shall know me. I was not bidden to the christening feast as were these, my cousins—
Queen. The slight was unintentional. I do assure you, Madam.
Winter. Yet I came, and I also brought a gift.
[Touches Baby with wand; other Fairies look on anxiously.]
Winter. Thou, Princess Erda, wilt grow up beautiful and wise according to my cousins’ wishes. But when thou art become a lovely maiden, thou shalt [slowly] one day thrust into thy hand a needle, and [very slowly and very impressively] THOU SHALT SURELY—
[Great excitement. Queen hands Baby to King, and faints in her chair. Ladies tremble. Lords draw swords, and step forward threateningly. Spring jumps forward and interrupts Winter just in time.]
Spring. STOP! ’Tis fortunate, indeed, I had not time to speak before you came, my cousin. Little Princess [touches her with wand], it must be, alas, even as my cousin said. Thou wilt, indeed, thrust a needle into thy hand, BUT THOU SHALT NOT PERISH. [Relief on every face; Queen opens eyes.] Thou shalt only sleep awhile. [Soft music.] And I do here decree that while thou sleepest, thou shalt lovelier grow. And thou shalt dream of him, the Shining Prince, until he comes to rescue thee, to waken with his kiss.
Winter. And so I am frustrated! Yet I do not greatly care. It were a pity to lose so fair a child. Perhaps the long sleep will be sufficient punishment, and teach this court ’tis never safe to slight a fairy. [Exit.]
Queen. [Quite recovered, rising.] Thank you, Fairy, for your timely aid. But oh, alas! my daughter needs must sleep—for who knows how long? [Takes Baby from King.]