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.]
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.]
[_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._]