Page:Iolanthe lib.djvu/37

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37

He dies! If fondly laid aside
In some old cabinet,
Memorials of thy long-dead bride
Lie, dearly treasured yet,
Then let her hallowed bridal dress—
Her little dainty gloves—
Her withered flowers—her faded tress—
Plead for my boy—he loves!

The Lord Chancellor is moved by this appeal. After a pause:

Ld. Ch.

It may not be—for so the fates decide
Learn thou that Phyllis is my promised bride!

Iol. (in horror).

Thy bride! No! No!

Ld. Ch.

It shall be so!
Those who would separate us woe betide!

Iol.

My doom thy lips have spoken—
I plead in vain!

Chorus of Fairies. (without).

Forbear! forbear!

Iol.

A vow already broken
I break again!

Chorus of Fairies. (without).

Forbear! forbear!

Iol.

For him—for her—for thee
I yield my life.
Behold—it may not be!
I am thy wife

Chorus of Fairies. (without).

Aiaiah! Aiaiah! Willaloo!

Ld. Ch. (recognizing her)

Iolanthe! thou livest?

Iol.

Aye!
I live! Now let me die!

Enter Fairy Queen and Fairies. Iolanthe kneels to her.

Queen.

Once again thy vows are broken:
Thou thyself thy doom hath spoken!

Chorus of Fairies.

Aiaiah! Aiaiah!
Willahalah! Willaloo!
Laloiah! Laloiah!
Willahalah! Willaloo!

Queen.

Bow thy head to Destiny:
Death thy doom, and thou shalt die!

Chorus of Fairies.

Aiaiah! Aiaiah! &c.

The Peers and Strephon enter. The Queen raises her spear.