_Azèma._ I’ve an appointment with the King, Of which you are entirely unaware; But though I’m much annoyed to find you here, I’m glad to find you here with Gélanor.
_Azèma._ If our intrigue should come to light, We can retaliate by giving out That you and Gélanor are just as bad.
_Altem._ Infamous hussy, you shall pay for this!
_Azèma._ Why, madam, how have _I_ offended you?
_Altem._ How?--you are here to meet the King, alone; At night--by pre-arrangement--in the dark!
_Azèma._ Oh, madam, this indeed is terrible! That poor Azèma should be charged with this! It’s true I’ve an appointment with the King, But as you’re not aware of it, your words Are utterly unjustifiable. These flashing eyeballs and this angry blush (At least I hope I’m blushing) represent The noble rage of outraged innocence. I’ll to the King, and let him know at once How, as I wandered through the grove, alone, _I_ found you here with wicked Gélanor, At night--by pre-arrangement--in the dark. Oh, shame upon you--shame upon you, Queen! [_Exit AZÈMA--ALTEMIRE and GÉLANOR stand confounded._
_Gélan._ Your majesty, I think I’d better go.
_Altem._ Absurd! the notion is preposterous! You’re old enough to be my father.
_Gélan._ Quite! And wise enough to know that proper folk Will only say “that makes the matter worse!”
_Altem._ But surely here, in this enchanted home, Where all are bound to speak the truth, our word Will guarantee our perfect innocence!
_Gélan._ Yes, if the King is pleased to take our word; But, as you’ve brought a charge against the King, Analogous to that which will be brought Against ourselves, he may ignore the fact That truth is truth. No, no, upon the whole, I think, your majesty, I’d better go! [_Exit GÉLANOR._
_Enter PALMIS and ZEOLIDE, ZEOLIDE weeping._
_Palmis._ Nay, do not weep, dear mistress.
_Zeo._ Ah, my friend, What comfort can _you_ offer me?
_Palmis._ I’ve heard That when one is oppressed with weight of woe, Some solace may be found in dwelling on The grief of one more sorely laden still.
_Zeo._ More sorely laden? Where will Zeolide Find one whose misery outweighs her own?
_Palmis._ Your misery, though great, is but a grain When balanced in the scales with mine!
_Palmis._ Yes; Philamir respects you. He esteems Your moral excellence, although no doubt He does not love you as a lover should; But Chrysal always hated me, and sought To gain that love I gave so willingly To hasten his promotion at the Court. Your case and mine are different. Besides, You angered Philamir. I never gave My Chrysal any reason for his hate.