KING. [_Regarding the_ PRINCE _with astonishment, to_ PAGE.] Who is the noble stranger? Why did you not announce him?
PAGE. [_Rubbing his eyes sleepily._] Indeed, Your Majesty, I did not hear him enter. I think I was asleep.
QUEEN. I, too, feel strangely drowsy; have I had a nap?
PRINCE. That you have, Gracious Queen, you and all your court. I doubt not a spell was cast upon you here.
PRINCESS. [_Coming forward and speaking dreamily._] I do remember now. I pricked my finger with a needle which an ancient dame did give to me. At once my eyelids closed, but yet I heard her murmur, “Sleep until the Shining Prince shall come.” [_Turns and courtesies to_ PRINCE, _who makes her a low bow._] And that is you, I thank you, sir.
QUEEN. It must be so. But the long sleep is over, waking-time has come. Our daughter lives, and is more beautiful than ever. Let us thank the noble Prince [_courtesies to him_] who has brought us joy, and let us celebrate with song and dancing.
PRINCE. But first I must ask permission to wed this lovely maid whom I awakened.
KING _and_ QUEEN. We give permission gladly, if the maid herself consents.
PRINCE. What say you, Lovely Princess, will you marry me?
[SPRING _crowns them with flowers._ PRINCE _kneels and kisses_ PRINCESS’S _hand. Wedding march. Procession about stage_, PRINCE _and_ PRINCESS, KING _and_ QUEEN, LORDS _and_ LADIES, _forming themselves in sets for the minuet. Then two other_ FAIRIES _dance in and take their places on the couch, where they keep time to music with wands. Dance one figure of minuet. If children find this too difficult, the simpler and more lively lancers may be substituted._]
[_At conclusion of the dance, all the actors group themselves on the stage and make their final bow to the audience._]
LORD MALAPERT. MARIANA. THE SENESCHAL. CICELY. THE MAN IN THE MOON. FLICK. FLOCK. MAIDS OF HONOR. GUARDS AND VASSALS.
[ARGUMENT: MISTRESS CICELY, from overmuch reading of fairy tales, dreams more of what she would like to be and like to have, than of what she is and has. A curious adventure recalls her to herself and shows her that contentment is better than wealth, and that what we are is often better than what we think we should like to be.]