She is a woman. Have we not known Women like her? And have we not found them nothing and less than nothing? THE PRINCESS: And was I then so ugly, So far from pleasing that no one of you would have looked with favor upon me, and followed after me, and taken me for his mistress? What have you done for me? And yet what is there that I could not give you? Sometimes the Muse descends to wander the ways of earth, And profiting by the evening hour when the townspeople sit at supper, Passes by, with laurel wreathing her brow; walks, barefoot, beside the flowing stream, singing immortal verses All alone like a solitary stag. And I, though I love that calm retreat, Cannot always remain in the fountains and caves and deserted hollows among the oaks, But I cry, at the cross-roads, and in the city streets, In the bustling market-place and by the doors of the dance halls, "Who will barter handfuls of blackberries for handfuls of heavy gold and give the flesh of his heart in exchange for a lasting love?" _(She goes to each of the bystanders and, forcing him to raise his head and seizing it by the hair and the chin, she looks in his face, her eyes close to his. Then she resumes her former position in silence._ THE FOURTH WATCHER: Save our souls for us if you have the power! THE PRINCESS: From this time forth we are strangers! Let the shadows and the lamp bear witness to our divorce! Many a time in such dim shades, I have warned you earnestly. But you would give no heed. Here in this murky light, Now that your souls are numbered with those that are marked for death, I come to you once more Not to repair the breach, but to proclaim it! You invoke me at a moment when you are beyond all aid! What have you made of me? It is most fitting that you should taste of death! But as for me, I suffer an iniquitous punishment and am a reproach to you Unavailingly! Alas that I should have met so much stubbornness and ignorance! Alas, I could cry aloud in my grief and if you could not endure To hear the cries of your wife in the agony of her travail, how could you bear to hear my grievances against you? Oh! It is late! And I Must go away alone like a widow harshly evicted from her home! You will think of me with regret in the hour of your agony, But I abandon you and leave this dwelling. And may the spiders weave their webs here! _(Pause. She moves backwards till she is near the bed of Cébès and, bending her head towards him._ And you, sick man? _(CÉBÈS raises his eyes, sees her, and begins to laugh._ THE PRINCESS: Why do you laugh? CÉBÈS: That thing on your head is so queer! I can't help laughing when I look at it! THE PRINCESS: Look at me more closely. Don't you think that I could cure you? CÉBÈS: What shall I do to be cured, Most Beautiful? THE PRINCESS: You must believe me and love me, Cébès. CÉBÈS: I have given my troth to one and to one only, and I will die and will have no other love. _(Silence._ What more have you to say?