King: 

But is not Thek most beautiful?  Are not the jungle orchids a wonder and a glory?

Ludibras: 

They have been thought so, your Majesty; they were pretty in
Barbul-el-Sharnak where they were rare.

King: 

But when the sun comes over them in the morning, when the dew is on them still; are they not glorious then?  Indeed, they are very glorious.

Ludibras: 

I think they would be glorious if they were blue, and there were fewer of them.

King: 

I do not think so.  But you, Ichtharion, you think the city beautiful?

Ichtharion: 

Yes, your Majesty.

King: 

Ah.  I am glad you love it.  It is to me adorable.

Ichtharion: 

I do not love it, your Majesty.  I hate it very much.  I know it is beautiful because your Majesty has said so.

Ludibras: 

This city is dangerously unhealthy, your Majesty.

Harpagas: 

It is dangerous to be absent from Barbul-el-Sharnak.

Ichtharion: 

We implore your Majesty to return to the centre of the world.

King: 

I will not go again to Barbul-el-Sharnak.

    [Exeunt King with attendants.  Ichtharion, Ludibras and Harpagas
    remain.]

    [Enter Arolind and Carolyx; each goes up to her husband, very
    affectionate.]

Arolind: 

And you talked to the King?

Ludibras: 

Yes.

Arolind: 

You told him he must go back to Barbul-el-Sharnak at once?

Ludibras: 

Well, I——­

Arolind: 

When does he start?

Ludibras: 

He did not say he will start.

Arolind: 

What?

Carolyx: 

We are not going?

    [Arolind and Carolyx weep and step away from their husbands.]

Ludibras: 

But we spoke to the King.

Arolind: 

O, we must stay and die here.

Ludibras: 

But we did what we could.

Arolind: 

O, I shall be buried in Thek.

Ludibras: 

I can do no more.

Arolind: 

My clothes are torn, my hair is old.  I am in rags.

Ludibras: 

I am sure you are beautifully dressed.

Arolind:  [full height]

Beautifully dressed!  Of course I am beautifully dressed!  But who is there to see me?  I am alone in the jungle, and here I shall be buried.

Ludibras: 

But——­

Arolind: 

Oh, will you not leave me alone?  Is nothing sacred to you?  Not even my grief?

    [Exeunt Arolind and Carolyx.]

Harpagas:  [To Ludibras]

What are we to do?

Ludibras: 

All women are alike.

Ichtharion: