merriest dog that barks. Ah, we might be passing happy
together--

PHOEBE Perhaps. I do not know.

WILFRED For thou wouldst make a most tender and loving wife.

PHOEBE Aye, to one whom I really loved. For there is a wealth
of love within this little heart-- saving up for-- I
wonder whom? Now, of all the world of men, I wonder
whom? To think that he whom I am to wed is now alive
and somewhere! Perhaps far away, perhaps close at
hand! And I know him not! It seemeth that I am wasting
time in not knowing him.

WILFRED Now say that it is I-- nay! suppose it for the nonce.
Say that we are wed-- suppose it only-- say that thou
art my very bride, and I thy cherry, joyous, bright,
frolicsome husband-- and that, the day's work being
done, and the prisoners stored away for the night,
thou and I are alone together-- with a long, long
evening before us!

PHOEBE [with a grimace] It is a pretty picture-- but I
scarcely know. It cometh so unexpectedly-- and yet--and
yet-- were I thy bride--

WILFRED Aye!-- wert thou my bride--?

PHOEBE Oh, how I would love thee!

No. 11. Were I thy bride
(SONG)
Phoebe

PHOEBE Were I thy bride,
Then all the world beside
Were not too wide
To hold my wealth of love--
Were I thy bride!

Upon thy breast
My loving head would rest,
As on her nest
The tender turtle dove--
Were I thy bride!

This heart of mine
Would be one heart with thine,
And in that shrine
Our happiness would dwell--
Were I thy bride!

And all day long
Our lives should be a song:
No grief, no wrong
Should make my heart rebel--
Were I thy bride!

The silvery flute,
The melancholy lute,
Were night-owl's hoot