SERVANT. [smiling] The answer is love, Princess.

KING. The servant has won the contest. Oh, my.

QUEEN. Oh my, is right. He’s a servant, dear! It has never been done. Oh, well, times are changing …

KING. I can’t choose him unless his master gives his permission.

RIDDLER 100. And I don’t give my permission! He is my servant, and we are going home. [speaking to the SERVANT] Get our things ready. We will leave right away.

[RIDDLER 100 and the SERVANT leave. The SERVANT looks back for one last look at the PRINCESS.]

CHORUS. Farewell, true love. We may never meet again. Good-bye, dear one. My heart is filled with pain.

END SCENE 3.

Critical Viewing: Mood How does this painting reflect the mood of the story at this point?

Couple, 2002, Muraina Oyelami. Oil on canvas, collection of the artist.