_Mous._ I left him sleeping soundly in my hut, He did not drink the wine--but still he sleeps. (_Producing veil._) I stole it from his pillow! Here’s a prize! Poor devil that I am--whose only hope Of meeting other men on equal terms, Lies in his chance of keeping out of sight! Ha! someone comes. I’ll hide thee carefully. [_Places it under a stone of dial._ Some day, maybe, thou’lt do as much for me! _Enter FLORIAN, angrily._ _Flor._ So here you are: I’ve sought you everywhere-- _Mous._ Ay, I am here. You’re early from your bed-- Well, it’s no bed for such fine folk as you; I’m very sorry, but ’twas all I had. _Flor._ The bed was well enough. I have been robbed. _Mous._ Ay, ay? And how was that? _Flor._ There is a thief Upon this isle. _Mous._ It’s very possible. When people come and go invisibly, It’s hard to say who is or is not here. What has the villain robbed? a woman’s heart? Two women’s hearts? How many women’s hearts? If there’s a thief here, it is you or I, It comes to that. Now, what is it you’ve lost? _Flor._ My Talisman. _Mous._ Your Talisman? Oh ho! _Flor._ I see no cause for jest. _Mous._ You don’t? Observe-- A prince, or someone who so styles himself, With power to make himself invisible, Employs that power to gain admission to An isle where certain maidens dwell--when there His Talisman is stolen and he stands Revealed before their eyes--the helpless butt Of all their ridicule, with naught to say But “Ladies, pray forgive me--I had thought To enter unobserved--to wander here And watch your movements--also unobserved; And when grown weary of this novel sport To take my leave of you--still unobserved, But as I’ve failed, so pray you pardon me.” And off he goes, his tail between his legs, Like a well-beaten hound! _Flor._ (_seizing him_). Misshapen imp, Have you so little care for such dog-life As warms your twisted carcase, that you dare To bandy jests with me? _Mous._ Release me, sir! Had I your Talisman, do you suppose I should be here before your eyes? No, no-- Whoever has the veil is using it. There are but six of us, besides myself. If one of those is missing, why, be sure That one hath taken it. I’ll go and see. [_Exit MOUSTA._ _Flor._ The imp is right, and yet the Talisman Was safe with me last night. But, who comes here! Confusion! ’tis Vavir. I shall be seen! Where can I hide myself? _Enter VAVIR; she starts in intense alarm on seeing FLORIAN._ _Vav._ Kind Heaven protect me! Who art thou, and what dost thou on this isle?