The dear Princesses! I have always said
That nobody could refuse them anything.
[seanchan takes the cup in one hand. In the other he holds for a moment the hand of the princess.
seanchan. Oh long, soft fingers and pale finger-tips,
Well worthy to be laid in a king’s hand!
Oh, you have fair white hands, for it is certain
There is uncommon whiteness in these hands.
But there is something comes into my mind,
Princess, A little while before your birth,
I saw your mother sitting by the road
In a high chair; and when a leper passed,
She pointed him the way into the town.
He lifted up his hand and blessed her hand—
I saw it with my own eyes. Hold out your hands;
I will find out if they are contaminated,
For it has come into my thoughts that maybe
The King has sent me food and drink by hands
That are contaminated. I would see all your hands.
You’ve eyes of dancers; but hold out your hands,
For it may be there are none sound among you.
[The princesses have shrunk back in terror.
first princess. He has called us lepers.
[soldier draws sword.
