_Phan._ The course I take Is rather rash, but the experiment Will not be destitute of interest.
Well, Gélanor, what tidings do you bring? About our palace?
_Gélan._ Sir, the old, old tale. Men come and go--and women come and go. Although the palace gates are opened wide To rich and poor alike--and rich and poor Alike receive full hospitality For any length of time they care to stay, Few care to stay above a day or two. Free entertainment in a princely home Is little valued when it’s coupled with The disadvantage of a dwelling-place Where every one is bound to speak the truth. When does my lord propose to start?
_Phan._ To-day. But this time not alone, good Gélanor.
_Gélan._ And who is to accompany you, sir?
_Gélan._ Great heavens, my lord, Have you reflected?
_Gélan._ To any place Where one is bound to speak the baldest truth Concerning all the actions of one’s life, It’s hardly politic to take one’s wife!
_Phan._ Oh, I’ve the fullest confidence in her. She’s a good woman, Gélanor.
_Gélan._ Ah, sir, I have seen married couples by the score, Who, when they passed within our crystal walls, Have boldly advertised themselves prepared To stake their souls upon each other’s faith-- But who, before they’ve spent an hour at most Under the castle’s mystic influence, Have separated ne’er to meet again! Oh, have a care!
_Phan._ Queen Altemire knows all, And knowing all she fears not for herself, So I’ve no fear for her!
_Gélan._ But _you_, my liege-- How will you bear yourself ’neath such a test? You have been married nearly eighteen years: That’s a long time!
_Phan._ Well, yes--I’ve thought of that. I’m a good husband--as good husbands go. I love my wife--but still--you understand-- Boys will be boys! There _is_ a point or two-- Say two, as being nearer to the mark-- On which I do not altogether care To stand examination by my wife. Perhaps I may have given out that I’ve Been dining _here_--when I’ve been dining _there_-- I may have said “with A”--when ’twas with B-- I may have said “with _him_”--when ’twas with _her_-- Distinctions such as these, good Gélanor, Though strangely unimportant in themselves, Still have a value, which the female mind’s Particularly quick to apprehend. Now here’s a talisman--a crystal box--(_producing it_). Whoever carries this within those walls May overcome the castle’s influence, And utter truth or falsehood as he wills. I should do well, I think, to take this box?