Scene 3

The three servants, wearing aprons, lower their masks and address each other.

S2: Ariadne!

S3: Ariadne!

S2: Our master’s gone out!

S1: I’m standing right here, girls there’s no need to shout.

S2: Well, were you listening?

S3: Did you hear what he said?

S1: I heard every word and I nearly dropped dead!

He has promised, at last to let Mestra be wed!

S3: (Jowfully ) Do you mean it?

S2: You’re certain?

S1: It’s amazing but true,

And there’s something else that he’s going to do.

He’s going to build her a palace!

S3: (Incredulously ) You lie!

S1: I said when I heard it I thought I would die!

S2: Incredible!

S3: Fantastic!

S1: It’s hard to believe it.

S2: SO he knows about Solones?

S3: How did he receive it?

S1: That’s the dilemma; he’s not yet aware.

S2: She hasn’t yet told him?

S1: I don’t think she’d dare.

S2: When she tells him I don’t think I’ll want to be here.

S1: True, our master’s hot-tempered.

S3: She has nothing to fear!

He’ll accept him.

S1: Do you mean Solones?

S3: He just radiates charm.

And I’m sure Erysichthon would not want to harm

His own daughter’s lover.

S1: I wouldn’t be sure.

His love is so jealous, he might not endure

That his daughter has chosen a love of her own.

S2: It just seems like something he’d never condone.

S3: But he’s a good father.

S1: And a good master too,

But when he finds out, heaven knows what he’ll do.

S3: I think they should tell him. They’ve nothing to hide.

Things will all turn out well if they let Love be their guide.

S1: Letting Love be you guide is a noble ideal.

But the world demands that we live in what’s real.

For if Love makes us blind, it’s a deadly disease

Which gives the illusion we can do as we please.

S3: You’re just being a cynic. You’re afraid to get burned.

S1: Well, I might not be wise, but there’s one thing I’ve learned:

When desire’s our guide, it devours and consumes

It’s a hunger that carries men down to their tombs.

S3: But Love is the fire which keeps us alive.

S1: But control of our passions’ what we need to survive.

For when desire’s unfettered, whatever its aim,

Be it noble or righteous or pure,

It’s a dangerous path, it’s a perilous game

Which none but the strongest endure.

S2: You’ve a very good point . . .

S3: True, we’d better get working.

S2: Yes, it wouldn’t be good if we’re all caught here lurking.

The servants exit offstage .