Volume 93 — FERDINAND AND ARIEL.
Reading edition
(In Bulgaria.)
(Shakspeare once again adapted to circumstances.)
EnterAriel, invisible, playing and singing. Ferdinand following him.
Ariel's Song.
Come into Bulgarian Lands, We stretch our hands; 'Tis a chance not to be miss'd. When we have kiss'd Your hand in loyal fealty there, The Crown's sweet burden you may bear. Hark! Hark!
Burden. Bow-wow! Let the Russ bark!(Dispersedly.)
Burden. Bow-wow!(Dispersedly.) Hark, hark! I hear The strutting Gallic Chanticleer Cry Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Ferdinand.
Where should this music be? In th' air, or th' earth? It sounds once more, and sure it waits upon Myforward footsteps. Sitting all alone, Musing upon Prince Alexander's wreck, This music crept upon me unawares, Stirring my hope, and rousing Russia's passion, With its sweet air. Thence have I followed it, Or it hath drawn me rather:—but 'tis gone. No, it begins again.
Ariel sings:
Full fathom deep Battenberg lies, Of hischance chaos is made; But you'll see, if you have eyes, Your hopes ripen as his fade. You may suffer a great change Into a young King. Is't strange? Fate which rings poor Sandy's knell Sounds your coronation bell. Hark! dost hear it?—ding-dong-dell!
[Burden. Ding-dong!
Ferdinand. This ditty doth decoy, yet fright me,—rather. This is no common chance. A golden crown Fate proffers me:—I see it,—shall I wear it?
[Left considering.