Within full view of Princess Ida’s walls.
Upon them place five hundred mirrors—then
Lay out five hundred robes of French design;
And if they still hold out they’re more than women!
[Exeunt Officers, Gama, Arac, Scynthius, and Guron.
King. If all this fails, I have a deadlier scheme,
Five hundred waltzing bachelors—tried men,
Who can waltz forwards—backwards—anyhow—
Shall twirl and twist before their dazzled eyes,
Thrumming soft music on a light guitar.