Chapter 3

SPRING LANDSCAPE

[Virginia sitting on a bank of grass and spring flowers, with a band of fairies dancing around her in a ring.]

Spring Draweth Near

Fairies (in Chorus)-- Spring is coming, hear the humming Of the bumble bees; Life is waking, buds are breaking, Love is in the breeze.

_Refrain_-- Fairies sing for the spring Draweth near; Mirth and song now belong To the year.

Birdies wooing, ring doves cooing From each budding bough. All things mating, no one waiting, Love is calling now.

Larks are singing, swallows winging North, their rapid flight. Winter's ending, spring is sending Warmth and love and light.

Virginia-- What strange emotions fill this breast? What flitting shadows of unrest Disturb me so? I have not ceased to long and dream Since I was lifted o'er that stream By Paolo.

In strong arms' clasp what can there be To thrill the heart in fancy free And leave behind A joy that is akin to pain, A longing to be held again By arms entwined?

[Enter Cupid during last words.]

Cupid-- Good morning to you all, a fairy ring Delights my heart; I'll wait and hear you sing.

Virginia-- We're glad you're back, you should avoid the snows Dear careless boy; some day you'll freeze your toes.

[Cupid fitting arrow to his bow--]

Virginia-- No, don't you shoot your arrow; 'tisn't fair! You've learned too much already, spare oh spare My heart from further pain you cruel boy; What balm have you for wounds that peace destroy?

Cupid-- Forbid the thought of Cupid causing pain; Nought else I seek but bringing joy again. I have a secret message to unfold To you, the sweetest lover ever told. I'll whisper softly in your dainty ear, So soft that even fairies will not hear.

[Cupid whispers his message.]

Virginia-- Oh Cupid! (C.) How you blush, your burning cheek Tells plainer still than even lips can speak Of tenderness for Paolo that glows Within your heart, and now quite overflows.

Blushing

Fairies-- Blush of the early morning Heralds the coming day, Heralds the beam of sunshine Chasing the dark away.

_Refrain_-- Blushing, blushing, Roses of deepest dye; Flushing, flushing Red as the sunlit sky.

Blushes those cheeks suffusing, Cupid's enchantments prove; Prove that the little archer Whispers to you of love.

[Enter Paolo.]

Fairies-- Paolo here at last! Where has he been in hiding? He ought to be ashamed, But we must not be chiding.

Paolo-- I'm glad to find you all so bright and gay, Please, fairies, sing before you run away.

Fairy-- We've played so long, the hours of morn will pass E're we can sip the dewdrops from the grass And glean the jewels from the lily's cup. The sunbeams now are gathering them up.

Then we must weave some garments for our queen. No lighter gossamer was ever seen Than spider web woven by fairy hands To wear when dancing on the moonlit sands.

So now good-bye, we all must skip away; (We'll take dear Cupid with us, if we may, To catch the butterflies and paint their wings.) We wish you all the joy that springtime brings,

[Fairies and Cupid Exit]

Paolo, turning to Virginia-- 'Tis thoughts of you have sped me on my way; Virginia, dear, I seek your hand to-day.

[Paolo, taking Virginia's hands, looks into her eyes.]

Reflections

Paolo-- Deep in your eyes are glowing Lights that are soft and true; While in their centre mirrored Is the love that I feel for you.

_Refrain_-- Though but reflections Mirrored in loving eyes, Such pretty fancies Deepen our glad surprise.

Love lights so true and tender, Framing my picture there, Rival in warmth and splendour Flashes from jewels rare.

Virginia-- My love had wildly fluttered to be free, It beat its wings against the prison bars; But now I know it yearned but unto thee Of all beneath the sun and silent stars.

It sought with passion's ardency to reach Some haven wherein it could welcome rest; It only needed Cupid's dart to teach, The goal it sought for was within your breast.

[Paolo encircles Virginia with his arm]

Love's Confidence

Paolo-- Your lips, for kisses ripe, In sweetest lines are laid; You lift your face to mine Unblushing, unafraid.

For love has confidence And nought but love repays The sweet confiding trust Your nestling touch conveys.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Last West and Paolo's Virginia, by G. B. Warren