Dione's Daughter! but how fair he is,
Would it be wrong to rouse him with a kiss?
[_She stoops down and kisses him, then withdraws into the shadow._]
PIERROT [_Rubbing his eyes._]
Celestial messenger! remain, remain;
Or, if a Vision, visit me again!
What is this light, and whither am I come
To sleep beneath the stars so far from home?
[_Rises slowly to his feet._]
PIERROT
Stay, I remember this is Venus' Grove,
And I am hither come to encounter--
THE LADY [_Coming forward but veiled._]
Love!
[_In ecstasy, throwing himself at her feet._]
PIERROT
Then have I ventured and encountered Love?
THE LADY
Not yet, rash boy! and, if thou wouldst be wise,
Return unknowing; he is safe who flies.
PIERROT
Never, sweet lady, will I leave this place
Until I see the wonder of thy face.
Goddess or Naiad! lady of this Grove,
Made mortal for a night to teach me love,
Unveil thyself, although thy beauty be
Too luminous for my mortality.
THE LADY[_Unveiling._]
Then, foolish boy, receive at length thy will:
Now knowest thou the greatness of thine ill.
PIERROT
Now have I lost my heart, and gained my goal.
THE LADY
Didst thou not read the warning on the scroll?
[_Picking up the parchment.
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