Lyrics by Frank DiGiacomo and Julian R. Pace.
Photographs by Sherry Eckstein.

After the Peacock Moresca, the animal performers bow to the delighted Beauty and the Beast. They wihdraw, leaving the two alone in the hall. The Beast rises, and coming to Beauty, kneels before her.

 LYRICS
    Beast:
        And now, dear Beauty, and now, dear Beauty—­
        you have entered my house and broken bread with me;
        you have met those who honor me with their service.
        My servants, my table and my house:
        all these I place at your command, to share with me.
    
    Beauty:
        Oh, my lord, you—
        you do me too much honor.
    
    Beast:
        Will you share my kingdom?
        Will you bind your life to mine until the ending of our days?
        Oh, my Beauty!
        Oh, my Beauty, will you marry me?

    Beast:
       You must answer from your heart, without fear.
    
    Beauty:
        No...no, my lord—
        I...I will not...I cannot...marry you!
        
(He bows his head; then, taking up the hem of her gown, he kisses it. Startled at the gesture, she draws back.)
        
        I would retire now.
        Do I have your leave?
    
    Beast:
        You do.
        Sleep well, gentle Beauty.
 
        (He remains kneeling.)
    
    Beauty:
        Goodnight, my lord.
        
(She does not answer, but draws a little back from him, eyes downcast.)