9
Duet — Frederic and Ruth.
Fred. You told me you were fair as gold.
Ruth. (Wildly.) And, master, am I not so?
Fred. And now I see you're plain and old.
Ruth. I am sure I am not a jot so.
Fred. Upon my innocence you play,
Ruth. I'm not the one to plot so.
Fred. Your lace is lined, your hair is gray.
Ruth. It's gradually got so.
Fred. Faithless woman, to deceive me!— I who trusted so!
My love, without reflecting,
Oh do not be rejecting.
At very highest rating
Has been accumulating
Crush me with disaster!
Has been accumulating
| Ruth. | Fred. |
| Don't, beloved master,
Crush me with disaster, etc.
|
Yes, your former master Saves you from disaster. Your love would be uncomfortably fervid, it is clear, If, as you are stating. It's been accumulating Forty-seven year, forty-seven year! |
(At the end he renounces her, and she goes off R. in despair.)
Recit.— Fred.
What shall I do? Before these gentle maidens I dare not show in this alarming costume. No, no, I must remain in close concealment until I can appear in decent clothing. (Exit R.)
(Hides in cave as they enter from R. and L., climbing over the rocks at I. of the stage and through arched rock R.)
Skipping rivulet and fountain,
