Explore this scene
Scene Overview
- Female: 0
- Male: 2
More Scenes
Context
Prince Hilarion has been waiting for his wedding day for twenty years. He is about to meet Princess Ida to whom he was betrothed, as a baby. Unfortunately, Princess Ida has decided that she does not want to honor the commitment, and has, instead, gone off and started a women's college. But Hilarion does not give up hope! He believes that they are meant to be together, despite Ida's resistance. However, his father wonders why he does not reconcile himself to the loss and move on.
to read the context for this scene from Princess Ida and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Text
HIL. Well, father, is there news for me at last?
HILD. King Gama is in sight, but much I fear
With no Princess!
HIL. Alas, my liege, I鈥檝e heard,
That Princess Ida has forsworn the world,
And, with a band of women, shut herself
Within a lonely country house, and there
Devotes herself to stern philosophies!
HILD. Then I should say the loss of such a wife
Is one to which a reasonable man
Would easily be reconciled.
HIL. Oh, no!
Or I am not a reasonable man.
She is my wife 鈥� has been for twenty years!
(Holding glass) I think I see her now.
HILD. Ha! Let me look!
HIL. In my mind鈥檚 eye, I mean 鈥� a blushing bride
All bib and tucker, frill and furbelow!
How exquisite she looked as she was borne,
Recumbent, in her foster-mother鈥檚 arms!
How the bride wept 鈥� nor would be comforted
Until the hireling mother-for-the-nonce
Administered refreshment in the vestry.
And I remember feeling much annoyed
That she should weep at marrying with me.
But then I thought, 鈥淭hese brides are all alike.
You cry at marrying me? How much more cause
You鈥檇 have to cry if it were broken off!鈥�
These were my thoughts; I kept them to myself,
For at that age I had not learnt to speak.
Videos
Links
Related Products
Related Articles
Related Learning Modules
All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners.
Scenes are presented on 星空娱乐官网 for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.