Guido, the old spring comes back again. And now I may speak. Guido, look through my window vines there Where the stars rise. O Love, I have not slept For lacking thee. And often have I seen The moonlight lie like sleep upon the hill, And in the garden of the sky the moon Drift like a blown rose, Guido, and yet I might not speak.
Now shall my dream become thy song again, And the long twilight be more sweet, Guido!
I pray thee rest thee now and sleep. Good-night. My full heart breaks in song; and I will sit Hearing the blessed saints within my soul, And will not stir from thee lest thou shouldst wake When I might not be near to serve thy need.
[_The shepherd pipe far-off and faint is heard playing._]
[Footnote 50: Reprinted by special arrangement with Gowans & Gray. Ltd., Glasgow. The acting rights are reserved.]
[Illustration: Costumes for _The Masque of the Two Strangers_ designed at the Washington Irving High School.]
Between the Lady Alice Egerton, who acted in the masque of _Comus_, which Milton composed for presentation before John, earl of Bridgewater, then President of Wales, and the Lady Alix Egerton, author of _The Masque of the Two Strangers_, lie three hundred years; but throughout these centuries the descendants of the first earl of Bridgewater have cherished consistently the great traditions of English literature. The family has owned for many generations the Ellesmere Chaucer and the Bridgewater manuscript of _Comus_, both of which have recently been edited by the twentieth century Lady Alix Egerton.
Her _The Masque of the Two Strangers_ here reprinted was given at the Washington Irving High School in March, 1921. The designs for the costumes used in this production are here illustrated. The following notes will help the reader to reconstruct the costumes from the pictures:
I. _The Princess_ White soft material. Spangled trimming. Mantle of blue. Veil of blue net. Hennin (head dress) in silver.
II. _Hope_ Glass ball. Lavender under slip. Veil of rose pink.
III. _Joy_ Draping of orange yellow. Flowers of various colors. Vermilion scarf.
IV. _Love_ Long, full cape of deep purple; cowl falling back. Cerise costume. Silver surcoat and helmet.
V. _Laughter_ Yellow and black. Trimming of bells.