SECOND DAY. THE QUEEN
461
SECOND DAY.THE QUEEN
A Chamber in the Queen's Private Apartments.—The Gospels lying open on the prie-Dieu. The royal crown on a stool.—A door on either side. A broad door at the back.—A portion of the back of the stage is concealed by hangings of tapestry.
Scene 1.—The Queen, splendidly dressed, reclining on a couch; Fabiano Fabiani seated beside her, on a folding-chair; in a very rich costume, with the Garter.
Fabiani [guitar in hand, singing.
When thou dost sleep, beloved,
So calm and pure thou art,
Thy breath soft words doth murmur,
Like music to my heart.
Unveiled and unapparelled,
Thou'rt fairer than the day—
Sleep, my beloved,
For ever and for aye!
When thou dost say: "I love thee!"
Oh! then, my love, meseems
That Heaven itself, above us,
Lies open to my dreams!
Thy glance doth gleam resplendent
With love's divinest ray—
Love, my beloved,
For ever and a day!
