The pain of growing old lost all its sting,
For Love stood near--in Winter, as in Spring.
[CUPID tiptoes to door and makes a signal. MAIDEN starts up
dramatically.]
'Twas but a dream! I woke all suddenly.
The world had changed! And now life means to me
My art--the stage--excitement and the crowd -
The glare of many foot-lights--and the loud
Applause of men, as I cry in rage,
'Give me the dagger!' or creep down the stage
In that sleep-walking scene. Oh, art like mine
Will send the chills down every listener's spine!
And when I choose, salt tears shall freely flow
As in the moonlight I cry, 'Romeo! Romeo!
Oh, wherefore art thou, Romeo?'
Ay, 'tis done
My dream of home life.
CUPID
It is but begun.
MAIDEN
The heart but once can dream a dream so fair,
And so henceforth love thoughts I do forswear;
Since faith in love has crumbled to the dust,
In fame alone, I put my hope and trust.
[CUPID at the door beckons excitedly. Enter lover with outstretched
arms.]
CUPID
Here's one who will explain yourself to you
And make that old sweet dream of love come true.
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