Florian: I am a maiden coyly blushing, Timid am I as a startled hind; Every suitor sets me flushing, Every suitor sets me flushing: I am the maid that wins mankind! All: Haughty, humble, coy, or free, Little care I what maid may be. So that a maid is fair to see, Ev'ry maid is the maid for me! Haughty, humble, coy, or free, Little care I what maid may be. So that a maid is fair to see, Ev'ry maid is the maid for me! [Enter the Princess, reading. She does not see them.) Florian: But who comes here? The Princess, as I live! What shall we do? Hilarion: (Aside) Why, we must brave it out! (Aloud) Madam, accept our humblest reverence. (They bow, then suddenly recollecting themselves, curtsey.) Princess: (Surprised) We greet you, ladies. What would you with us? Hilarion: (Aside to Cyril) What shall I say? (Aloud) We are three students, ma'am, Three well-born maids of liberal estate, Who wish to join this University. (Hilarion and Florian curtsey again. Cyril bows extravagantly, then, being recalled to himself by Florian, curtseys.) Princess: If, as you say, you wish to join our ranks, And will subscribe to all our rules, 'tis well. Florian: To all your rules we cheerfully subscribe. Princess: You say you're noblewomen. Well, you'll find No sham degrees for noblewomen here. You'll find no sizars here, or servitors, Or other cruel distinctions, meant to draw A line 'twixt rich and poor; you'll find no tufts To mark nobility, except such tufts As indicate nobility of brain. As for your fellow-students, mark me well: There are a hundred maids within these walls, All good, all learned, and all beautiful: They are prepared to love you: will you swear To give the fullness of your love to them? Hilarion: Upon our words and honours, Ma'am, we will! Princess: But we go further: Will you undertake That you will never marry any man? Florian: Indeed we never will! Princess: Consider well, You must prefer our maids to all mankind! Hilarion: To all mankind we much prefer your maids! Cyril: We should be dolts indeed, if we did not, seeing how fair — Hilarion: (Aside to Cyril) Take care — that's rather strong!