The retreat of HIP LOONG, the Wizard.

Time: the same night.

The curtain discovers MAH PHRU, who has returned to human form, and the Wizard together.

He tells her that he has restored her to her former state only because she has implored him to do so; that her life is measured by hours as a consequence of such insensate folly in breaking the vow of five years back.

“But the King will live,” she murmurs.

“The King will live. He will find happiness with someone fairer than you. That is well. Your life for his. It is the price.”

“The price is nothing. Have I not looked on my heart’s beloved one for five years—looked on his face—heard his voice—trembled with joy at his footsteps? Have I not waited and watched? Have I not gazed on my sons and seen their royal bearing, and known their touch?”

“You are, then, content?”

“You are a Wizard—you can read that I am.”

“It is not I that am a Wizard—it is Love. That is the only Wizard this world knows.”