Because you will not let her spin?
DAME (_nodding_). Yes, your Majesty.
QUEEN. Why, this is most strange.
DAME (_nodding_). Would I but let her, she'd spin from morn till night, and
from then on till morn again.
QUEEN. I see how it can be so. There's nothing I like better than spinning.
DAME. She weeps whenever I make her leave off.
QUEEN. 'T is because she loves it! I am never more pleased than when the
wheels are whirring.
DAME. But stop she must, for to-day at least. There is no more flax.
QUEEN. I have rooms full of flax. Let your daughter come to my castle. She
may spin there as much as she pleases.
DAME (_now, most frightened_). I--I fear she would be a trouble to you.
QUEEN. Why, no! In fact, I am so pleased with your daughter's industry I
will have my son marry her.
DAME (_so frightened she can scarcely breathe_). O your Majesty--
QUEEN (_interrupting_). But first she must spin all my flax. There are
three rooms full of it--from top to bottom.
ISABEL (_showing alarm_). Three rooms full!
QUEEN (_nodding_). Aye, my dear, and when you have spun it all, you shall
become a princess!
(_Turning to the Dame._)
Bring your daughter to my castle to-morrow.
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