King. I do hereby command that every needle be destroyed throughout my broad domain. Page [Page stands before him], send forth heralds to proclaim my will. [Page bows and goes off.] Be comforted, my Queen, how can our daughter prick her finger?
Lords and Ladies. [Happily.] That is true, how can she, when all needles are destroyed?
King. And now, good Fairies, my Lords and Ladies, let’s hasten to the feast; forget the evil prophecy, and make merry all.
[Procession off stage. King and Queen, Fairies, Lords and Ladies.]
[Curtain]
ACT III
[A garret. Winter disguised as old woman by means of long, dark cape. Sits sewing on a square of tarlatan, on which has been pasted cotton to represent a house covered with snow. Enter Princess, quite out of breath. She is dressed in brown, decorated with autumn leaves to represent the earth in the fall. She wears one large, red rose, which is almost ready to fall to pieces.]
Princess. [Shivering.] Ugh! it’s cold and dismal up here. Why, good day, Granny.
Winter. [In voice of old woman.] Good day, Princess.