(Exit Princess. The three Gentlemen watch her off. Lady Psyche enters, and regards them with amazement) Hilarion: I'faith, the plunge is taken, gentlemen! For, willy-nilly, we are maidens now, And maids against our will we must remain. [All laugh heartily.] Psyche: (Aside) These ladies are unseemly in their mirth. (The gentlemen see her, and, in confusion, resume their modest demeanour.) Florian: (Aside) Here's a catastrophe, Hilarion! This is my sister! She'll remember me, Though years have passed since she and I have met! Hilarion: (Aside to Florian) Then make a virtue of necessity, And trust our secret to her gentle care. Florian: (To Psyche, who has watched Cyril in amazement) Psyche! Why, don't you know me? Florian! Psyche: (Amazed) Why, Florian! Florian: My sister! (Embraces her) Psyche: Oh, my dear! What are you doing here — and who are these? Hilarion: I am that Prince Hilarion to whom Your Princess is betrothed. I come to claim Her plighted love. Your brother Florian And Cyril came to see me safely through. Psyche: The Prince Hilarion? Cyril too? How strange! My earliest playfellows! Hilarion: Why, let me look! Are you that learned little Psyche who At school alarmed her mates because she called A buttercup "ranunculus bulbosus"? Cyril: Are you indeed that Lady Psyche, who At children's parties, drove the conjuror wild, Explaining all his tricks before he did them? Hilarion: Are you that learned little Psyche, who At dinner parties, brought in to dessert, Would tackle visitors with "You don't know Who first determined longitude — I do — Hipparchus 'twas — B. C. one sixty-three!" Are you indeed that small phenomenon? Psyche: That small phenomenon indeed am I! But gentlemen, 'tis death to enter here: We have all promised to renounce mankind! Florian: Renounce mankind!? On what ground do you base This senseless resolution? Psyche: Senseless? No. We are all taught, and, being taught, believe That Man, sprung from an Ape, is Ape at heart. Cyril: That's rather strong. Psyche: The truth is always strong!