Princess: (Contemptuously) I never knew a more dispensing chemist! Away, away — I'll meet these men alone Since all my women have deserted me! (Exeunt all but Princess, singing refrain of "Please you, do not hurt us", pianissimo.) Princess: So fail my cherished plans — so fails my faith— And with it hope, and all that comes of hope! Song - Princess "I Built upon a Rock" Princess: I built upon a rock, But ere Destruction's hand Dealt equal lot To Court and cot, My rock had turn'd to sand! I leant upon an oak, But in the hour of need, Alack-a-day, My trusted stay Was but a bruis-ed reed! A bruis-ed reed! Ah faithless rock, My simple faith to mock! Ah trait'rous oak, Thy worthlessness to cloak, Thy worthlessness to cloak! I drew a sword of steel But when to home and hearth The battle's breath Bore fire and death, My sword was but a lath! I lit a beacon fire, But on a stormy day Of frost and rime, In wintertime, My fire had died away, Had died away! Ah, coward steel, That fear can un-anneal! False fire indeed, To fail me in my need, To fail me in my need! (Princess Sinks upon a rock. Enter Chloe and all the Ladies) Chloe: Madam, your father and your brothers claim An audience! Princess: What do they do here? Chloe: They come To fight for you! Princess: Admit them! Blanche: Infamous! One's brothers, ma'am, are men! Princess: So I have heard. But all my women seem to fail me when I need them most. In this emergency, Even one's brothers may be turned to use. Gama: (Entering, pale and unnerved) My daughter!