were content in death to have achieved

this tempting prize.

Thorn Rose:

this tempting prize. Those poor men, O those

valiant souls risking life with disdain,

to whom something seemed more beautiful,

to crumble away exemplary,

to have conquered both love and honor,

to exist less worthy and less brave.

I will think about this all my life

and the thought shall be bracing to me,

like a flower’s fragrance. I would be

awful if I didn’t think of it

continually as though it were

my own breath.

Stranger:

my own breath. How true, how true, and I’m

plainly embarrassed at my success

to stand before you—

Thorn Rose:

to stand before you— —where so many

good men had to die, who fervently

desired me just as much as you,

who with blue-flashing eyes and blond hair,

with unsullied courage, with their young

breasts full of youthful compulsion

to snatch from life its zest, competed

for me—you alone touched what fate

would not grant them. We struggle

in vain when it won’t, even when

giants take our cause. Lady Fortune!

Pooh! For a moment there, I was

almost becoming annoyed. Well look

now! I am beginning to believe

you have a right to me and it’s the right thing

that I belong to you now.

Queen:

Don’t you want to think this step through?

Think about what you’re saying here.

Thorn Rose:

Were I to think it over longer,

I could spoil it for me in the end.

No, I am entirely in agreement

with myself, and he is my lord now.

Still, I would rather see my hero

otherwise, as one much more handsome,

somewhat more pleasing and elegant,

more charming too, and in a certain

sense prouder. But, alas, I cannot

say these things. I must accept him now, as

he is, and do so sincerely.

Stranger:

I am your gallant servant always!

And should I but only half please you,

should you have to all but force yourself

to see, to love, and to suffer me,

let me tell you a French proverb now:

L’appétit vient en mangeant.† I hope

that I shall succeed in pleasing you.

Thorn Rose:

So be it! Now let there be music

and let’s all be happy together.

The sun is shining and the sky is

looking blue, and winds are fanning us

with uninhibitedly cool air.

This palace is now coming to life.

And going forward every one of us

will cheerfully challenge ourselves

and eagerly help where there is need,

with our eyes looking bright and living

happy as one and in such a way

that all things considered we shall build

toward a flourishing companionship.

King:

Because what you say, child, isn’t bad,

count me in,

Queen:

count me in, me too,

Stranger:

count me in, me too and me too

because it can’t happen otherwise.

Thorn Rose:

Me too, for clearly without me