Courage, my son, I know all.
ARIADNE
(Recitative with accompaniment of violins, flute and harp)
Theseus, I've sung my song. Alas, alas for our poor songs we sing to the beloved, and vainly try to vary into newness!
A few notes of the harp well up, slow and liquid.
Now I can go to rest, and darkness lap my weary heart. Theseus, my love, good night!
Violins tremolo. The hautboy suddenly enters with a long wailing phrase. ARIADNE quickly mounts on to the back of the stage, turns round for one second, waving a kiss to an imaginary person, and then flings herself down into the lake.
A great burst of applause. Enter immediately, and during the cries and clapping, a chorus of Water-Nymphs in transparent veils and garlands of willows and lilies, which sings to a solemn counterpoint, the dirge of ARIADNE. But their singing is barely audible through the applause of the whole Court, and the shouts of "DIEGO! DIEGO! ARIADNE! ARIADNE!" The young DUCHESS rises excitedly, wiping her eyes.
YOUNG DUCHESS
Dear friend! Diego! Diego! Our Orpheus, come forth!