Part 4

Now have I fully fixed upon my part. Good-bye to dreams; for me a life of art! Beloved art! Oh, realm serene and fair, Above the mean and sordid world of care, Above earth’s small ambitions and desires! Art! art! the very word my soul inspires! From foolish memories it sets me free. Not what has been, but that which is to be Absorbs me now. Adieu to vain regret! The bow is tensely drawn—the target set.

MAID (aside)

The night is dark and chill; the hour is late.

(Aloud)

Who knocks upon my door?

A Voice Outside

’Tis I, your fate!

MAID

Thou dost deceive, not me, but thine own self. My fate is not a wandering, vagrant elf. My fate is here, within this throbbing heart That beats alone for glory, and for art.

Voice

Pray, let me in; I am so faint and cold.

MAID (indignantly)

Methinks thou art not faint, however cold, But rather too courageous, and most bold; Surprisingly ill-mannered, sir, and rude, Without an invitation to intrude Into my very presence.

CUPID (warming his hands)

But, you see, Girls never mind a little chap like me. They’re always watching for me on the sly, And hoping I will call.

MAID (haughtily)

Indeed, not I! My heart has listened to a sweeter voice, A clarion call that gives command—not choice. And I have answered to that call, ‘I come’; To other voices shall my ears be dumb. To art alone I consecrate my life— Art is my spouse, and I his willing wife.

CUPID (slowly, gazing in the grate)

Art is a sultan, and you must divide His love with many another ill-fed bride. Now I know one who worships you alone.

MAID (impatiently)

I will not listen! for the dice is thrown And art has won me. On my brow some day Shall rest the laurel wreath—

CUPID (sitting down and looking at MAID critically)

Just let me say I think sweet orange blossoms under lace Are better suited to your type of face.

MAID (ignoring interruption)

I yet shall stand before an audience That listens as one mind, absorbed, intense, And with my genius I shall rouse its cheers, Still it to silence, soften it to tears, Or wake its laughter. Oh, the play! the play! The play’s the thing! My boy, the play!!

CUPID (suddenly clapping his hands)

Oh, say! I know a splendid role for you to take, And one that always keeps the house awake— And calls for pretty dressing. Oh, it’s great!

MAID (excitedly)