SCENE 4

A wood near the Castle, as in Scene 2. The SPIRITS pass one by one carrying bags.

FIRST SPIRIT. Ill never dance another step, not one.

SECOND SPIRIT. Are all the thousand years of dancing done?

THIRD SPIRIT. How can we dance after so great a sorrow?

FOURTH SPIRIT. But how shall we remember it to?morrow?

FIFTH SPIRIT. To think of all the things that we forget.

SIXTH SPIRIT. Thats why we groan and why our lids are wet.

(The SPIRITS go out. A group Of PEASANTS Pass.)

FIRST PEASANT. I have seen silver and copper, but not gold.

SECOND PEASANT. Its yellow and it shines.

FIRST PEASANT. Its beautiful.

The most beautiful thing under the sun, Thats what Ive heard.

THIRD PEASANT. I have seen gold enough.

FOURTH PEASANT. I would not say that its so beautiful.

FIRST PEASANT. But doesnt a gold piece glitter like the sun? Thats what my father, whod seen better days,

Told me when I was but a little boy??

So high??so high, its shining like the sun,

Round and shining, that is what he said.

SECOND PEASANT. Theres nothing in the world it cannot buy,

FIRST PEASANT. Theyve bags and bags of it.

(They go out. The two MERCHANTS follow silently.)

END OF SCENE 4