'Beautiful Land of Nod.' CUPID in ecstasy tiptoes about and clasps
his hands in delight.]

Another scene! a matron in her prime,
I saw myself glide peacefully with time
Into the quiet middle years, content
With simple joys the dear home circle lent.
My sons and daughters made my diadem;
I saw my happy youth renewed in them.
The pain of growing old lost all its sting,
For Love stood near--in Winter, as in Spring.

[CUPID tiptoes to door and makes a signal. MAIDEN starts up
dramatically.]

'Twas but a dream! I woke all suddenly.
The world had changed! And now life means to me
My art--the stage--excitement and the crowd -
The glare of many foot-lights--and the loud
Applause of men, as I cry in rage,
'Give me the dagger!' or creep down the stage
In that sleep-walking scene. Oh, art like mine
Will send the chills down every listener's spine!
And when I choose, salt tears shall freely flow
As in the moonlight I cry, 'Romeo! Romeo!
Oh, wherefore art thou, Romeo?'
Ay, 'tis done
My dream of home life.

CUPID