ACT V

[Palace garden. At center of background, Princess lies asleep on a couch. She is covered with a blanket of snow so that only her face is visible. The King and Queen are asleep in their chairs. The Page lies on the ground at the King’s feet. The Lords and Ladies are all asleep in various attitudes to the right. Stage is quite dark; brightens gradually as Prince enters. Mournful music, changing to something bright and spring-like. When the Princess awakes, all the light is turned on. The music suggests the call of birds.]

[Prince enters from front right followed by Spring, who remains shyly in the background. Looks about wonderingly.]

Prince. A court asleep! King, Queen, and courtiers. ’Tis plain that some enchanter here hath cast his spell. [Catches sight of Princess, tiptoes to couch, and stands beside her.] The loveliest maiden ever seen! Why does she sleep? Oh, waken, Lady Fair, and speak to me. I pray you, waken! [Gesture of despair.] What shall I do, she sleepeth still? [He looks at her a long time, bends closer and closer, finally drops on one knee, and kisses her.]

[Every one stirs and slowly awakens. Fairy Spring produces the transformation in the scenery. Princess, in dress of green, with flowers, slowly arises, keeping her eyes fixed on the Prince, who looks at her. Together they throw back the snow covering, showing the other side covered with flowers. They cast it onto the couch.]

Princess. [Softly.] ’Tis the Shining Prince of my dreams. [Prince and Princess continue to gaze at each other.]

King. [Regarding the Prince with astonishment, to Page.] Who is the noble stranger? Why did you not announce him?

Page. [Rubbing his eyes sleepily.] Indeed, Your Majesty, I did not hear him enter. I think I was asleep.

Queen. I, too, feel strangely drowsy; have I had a nap?

Prince. That you have, Gracious Queen, you and all your court. I doubt not a spell was cast upon you here.

Princess. [Coming forward and speaking dreamily.] I do remember now. I pricked my finger with a needle which an ancient dame did give to me. At once my eyelids closed, but yet I heard her murmur, “Sleep until the Shining Prince shall come.” [Turns and courtesies to Prince, who makes her a low bow.] And that is you, I thank you, sir.

King. ’Tis the evil prophecy fulfilled.

Queen. It must be so. But the long sleep is over, waking-time has come. Our daughter lives, and is more beautiful than ever. Let us thank the noble Prince [courtesies to him] who has brought us joy, and let us celebrate with song and dancing.

Prince. But first I must ask permission to wed this lovely maid whom I awakened.

King and Queen. We give permission gladly, if the maid herself consents.

Prince. What say you, Lovely Princess, will you marry me?

Princess. I will, O Shining Prince.

[Spring crowns them with flowers. Prince kneels and kisses Princess’s hand. Wedding march. Procession about stage, Prince and Princess, King and Queen, Lords and Ladies, forming themselves in sets for the minuet. Then two other Fairies dance in and take their places on the couch, where they keep time to music with wands. Dance one figure of minuet. If children find this too difficult, the simpler and more lively lancers may be substituted.]

[At conclusion of the dance, all the actors group themselves on the stage and make their final bow to the audience.]

[Curtain]