_Mous._ I am their mouthpiece. By their solemn rules No man may set his foot upon these shores. Those rules thy hardihood hath set at naught. How camest thou, and when? _Flor._ I am a Prince, Prince Florian of Spain. I landed here From yonder boat--about an hour ago. _Mous._ Liar! The boat was empty! _Flor._ No, not quite. I was on board. _Mous._ (_puzzled_). But I was on the beach-- _Flor._ I know you were--with boat-hook in your hand To thrust her off. You hailed me angrily: I had no time to stop and parley then, So, in the hope that Fate would furnish me With some more fitting opportunity To offer you my best apologies, I kept her head to land, and jumped ashore. Those best apologies I offer now. _Mous._ (_alarmed_). If you’ll believe me, sir, I saw you not! _Flor._ I quite believe you, for I have the power To make myself invisible at will, And, having such a power, you’ll see at once That force will serve you nothing. _Mous._ (_amazed_). Say you true? _Flor._ Undoubtedly. I’ve but to wind this veil (_producing a grey gauze veil with gold tassels_) About my head, and I’m invisible, And so remain till I remove it. _Mous._ Why, This is a priceless Talisman, indeed! Invisible! I’d give one half my life To be invisible for half-a-day! _Flor._ Indeed? And why? _Mous._ There is no living thing But seeks a mate--What birds and beasts may do Mousta may seek to do--_I_ want to mate! And whom d’ye think I want? Some kitchen-wench? One-eyed, hump-backed, and twisted like myself? I want the purest, fairest form on earth! _Flor._ Upon my word, you aim full high! _Mous._ I do! Why not? Suppose I loved a kitchen-wench, And told her so? _Flor._ A decent kitchen-wench Would soundly box your ears! _Mous._ You’re right--She would; My Lady can’t do more. As I _must_ fail At least I’ll fail for game worth failing for! As yet I’ve breathed no word--were I unseen I could take heart of grace and tell my love! _Flor._ (_laughing_). What would you say? _Mous._ Ay, ay, you laugh at me; But I’ve a wily tongue, and I can woo Like an Adonis--when I’m in the dark! A blind girl loved me once--a fair young girl With gentle face and gentle heart--but blind! _Flor._ I’ll swear she was! _Mous._ (_gently_). Ah, mock her not--she died! _Flor._ Well, peace be with her--Find me some safe spot, Where I can pass the night--I’ll pay you well. _Mous._ Ha! ha! _Flor._ Why do you laugh?