THE LADY
Why art thou sad?
PIERROT
I dare not tell.
THE LADY[_Caressingly._]
Come, say!
PIERROT
Is love all schooling, with no time to play?
THE LADY
Though all love's lessons be a holiday,
Yet I will humour thee: what wouldst thou play?
PIERROT
What are the games that small moon-maids enjoy.
Or is their time all spent in staid employ?
THE LADY
Sedate they are, yet games they much enjoy:
They skip with stars, the rainbow is their toy.
PIERROT
That is too hard!
THE LADY
For mortal's play.
PIERROT
What then?
THE LADY
Teach me some pastime from the world of men.
PIERROT
I have it, maiden.
THE LADY
Can it soon be taught?
PIERROT
A simple game, I learnt it at the Court.
I sit by thee.
THE LADY
But, prithee, not so near.
PIERROT
That is essential, as will soon appear,
Lay here thine hand, which cold night dews anoint,
Washing its white--
THE LADY
Now is this to the point?
PIERROT
Prithee, forbear! Such is the game design.
THE LADY
Here is my hand.
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