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Scene IV
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Cyrene enters the throne room with her new dogs, where the king is in conference with a servant
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CYRENE:
(speaking)
Father, father! I must tell you what has happened!
(singing)
A thing most incredible
It could not be believed,
were not my mother
Kin herself of the gods.
.
Hypseus holds a hand up
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HYPSEUS:
(speaking) In a moment, dearest.
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Cyrene stops and takes a knee and bows. Then the servant bows and leaves a parchment in the king's hand. Cyrene jumps up excitedly
.
CYRENE:
(speaking) Father, will you believe it? I was -
.
HYPSEUS:
(singing) My princess, let the king speak first if you please.
.
CYRENE:
(speaking) Forgive me, o king.
.
Slow solemn tone and tempo
.
HYPSEUS :
(singing)
There are grievous tidings
which may shadow your news, I fear.
To funeral we'll soon be riding
For our neighboring king is no longer here
.
Music pauses
.
CYRENE:
(speaking)
He is dead?
(singing)
A sorrowful thing indeed
Solemn music resumes
.
HYPSEUS:
(singing)
To the keep of Lord Hades
He goes to the gates
Of that shadowy land
Where his forefathers await
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They pause in a moment of silence, music resumes
.
HYPSEUS:
(singing)
But what I have missed?
News indeed
New companions you have
What new friends are these?
Tone lightens and tempo gradually increases
.
CYRENE:
(singing)
A gift from the goddess herself
Who came to visit me
Way up in the hills
Where I came under the trees
She says I'm to compete
With these hounds by my side
In a contest of sport
To win my kingdom's pride
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HYPSEUS:
(singing)
Serendipitous tidings!
For here in my hands
This letter bids us all come
By custom's command
Then after grave procession
Of king in that land
There will be games in his honor
Of skilled strength of hand
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Music stops
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CYRENE:
(speaking)
Shall I then compete, father? Would the contestants accept a maiden in their ranks?
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HYPSEUS:
(speaking)
They shall, as they must, if they would not bring a curse of ill fortune upon themselves, for so has the goddess decreed. I have no sons besides, and am of no age to compete. A king must do as he is able, and by my Cyrene will this realm compete. Go then! Send the ladies to alert your sisters, and we will prepare ourselves to travel.
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Cyrene exits with her dogs