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37

He dies! If fondly laid aside

⁠In some old cabinet,
Memorials of thy long-dead bride
⁠Lie, dearly treasured yet,
Then let her hallowed bridal dress—
⁠Her little dainty gloves—
Her withered flowers—her faded tress—
⁠Plead for my boy—he loves!

The Lord Chancellor is moved by this appeal. After a pause:

Ld. Ch.	It may not be—for so the fates decide Learn thou that Phyllis is my promised bride!
Iol. (in horror).	⁠Thy bride! No! No!
Ld. Ch.	⁠It shall be so! Those who would separate us woe betide!
Iol.	My doom thy lips have spoken— ⁠I plead in vain!
Chorus of Fairies. (without).	⁠Forbear! forbear!
Iol.	A vow already broken ⁠I break again!
Chorus of Fairies. (without).	⁠Forbear! forbear!
Iol.	For him—for her—for thee ⁠I yield my life. Behold—it may not be! ⁠I am thy wife
Chorus of Fairies. (without).	⁠Aiaiah! Aiaiah! Willaloo!
Ld. Ch. (recognizing her)	⁠Iolanthe! thou livest?
Iol.	⁠Aye! ⁠I live! Now let me die!

Enter Fairy Queen and Fairies. Iolanthe kneels to her.

Queen.	Once again thy vows are broken: Thou thyself thy doom hath spoken!
Chorus of Fairies.	⁠Aiaiah! Aiaiah! ⁠Willahalah! Willaloo! ⁠Laloiah! Laloiah! ⁠Willahalah! Willaloo!
Queen.	Bow thy head to Destiny: Death thy doom, and thou shalt die!
Chorus of Fairies.	⁠Aiaiah! Aiaiah! &c.

The Peers and Strephon enter. The Queen raises her spear.

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