ed with its pall of flowers. They march slowly into the room.
The Queen. [Cowering on her throne in an agony of fear.] The Dwarfs! Merciful stars, what are they bringing? No! No! Take it away, take it away! You shall not bring her here! You shall not!
- [Rushing from the throne, the Queen hurls herself upon the Dwarfs to prevent their setting down the coffin. So sudden is her onslaught that they cannot resist her;and with a crash of crystal it is overturned. With a cry of horror the Dwarfs surround it,and the Courtiers crowd about them.
- [For a moment the Queen is alone. She seizes the Magic Mirror that hangs at her girdle, and with trembling lips whispers.
The Queen.
- Mirror, Mirror, in my hand.
- Who's the fairest in the land?
