RECITATIVE AND SONG (Hilarion) "Today we meet" RECITATIVE - Hilarion To-day we meet, my baby bride and I— But ah, my hopes are balanc'd by my fears! What transmutations have been conjur'd by The silent alchemy of twenty years! BALLAD - Hilarion Ida was a twelve-month old, Twenty years ago! I was twice her age, I'm told, Twenty years ago! Husband twice as old as wife Argues ill for married life Baleful prophecies were rife, Twenty years ago, Twenty years ago! Still, I was a tiny prince Twenty years ago. She has gained upon me, since Twenty years ago. Though she's twenty-one, it's true, I am barely twenty-two— False and foolish prophets you Twenty years ago, Twenty years ago! (Enter Hildebrand) Hilarion: Well, father, is there news for me at last? Hildebd: King Gama is in sight, but much I fear With no Princess! Hilarion: Alas, my liege, I've heard, That Princess Ida has forsworn the world, And, with a band of women, shut herself Within a lonely country house, and there Devotes herself to stern philosophies! Hildebd: Then I should say the loss of such a wife Is one to which a reasonable man Would easily be reconciled. Hilarion: Oh, no! Or I am not a reasonable man. She is my wife — has been for twenty years! (Holding glass) I think I see her now. Hildebd: Ha! Let me look! Hilarion: In my mind's eye, I mean — a blushing bride All bib and tucker, frill and furbelow! How exquisite she looked as she was borne, Recumbent, in her foster-mother's arms! How the bride wept — nor would be comforted Until the hireling mother-for-the-nonce Administered refreshment in the vestry. And I remember feeling much annoyed That she should weep at marrying with me. But then I thought, "These brides are all alike. You cry at marrying me? How much more cause You'd have to cry if it were broken off!" These were my thoughts; I kept them to myself, For at that age I had not learnt to speak. (Exeunt Hildebrand and Hilarion)