ALL (much affected). Had that refreshment been denied, Indeed our Strephon might have died! LORD MOUNT. But as she's not His mother, it appears, Why weep these hot Unnecessary tears? And by what laws Should we so joyously Rejoice, because Our Strephon did not die? Oh rather let us pipe our eye Because our Strephon did not die! ALL. That's very true—let's pipe our eye Because our Strephon did not die! (All weep. Iolanthe, who has succeeded in hiding her face from Lord Chancellor, escapes unnoticed.) PHYL. Go, traitorous one—for ever we must part: To one of you, my Lords, I give my heart! ALL. Oh, rapture! STREPH. Hear me, Phyllis, ere you leave me. PHYL. Not a word—you did deceive me. ALL. Not a word—you did deceive her. (Exit Strephon.) BALLAD—PHYLLIS. For riches and rank I do not long— Their pleasures are false and vain; I gave up the love of a lordly throng For the love of a simple swain. But now that simple swain's untrue, With sorrowful heart I turn to you— A heart that's aching, Quaking, breaking, As sorrowful hearts are wont to do! The riches and rank that you befall Are the only baits you use, So the richest and rankiest of you all My sorrowful heart shall choose. As none are so noble—none so rich As this couple of lords, I'll find a niche In my heart that's aching, Quaking, breaking, For one of you two-and I don't care which! ENSEMBLE. PHYL. (to Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller). To you I give my heart so rich! ALL (puzzled). To which? PHYL. I do not care! To you I yield—it is my doom! ALL. To whom? PHYL. I'm not aware! I'm yours for life if you but choose. ALL. She's whose? PHYL. That's your affair! I'll be a countess, shall I not? ALL. Of what? PHYL. I do not care! ALL. Lucky little lady! Strephon's lot is shady; Rank, it seems, is vital, "Countess" is the title, But of what I'm not aware! (Enter Strephon.) STREPH. Can I inactive see my fortune fade? No, no! PEERS. Ho, ho!