PIERROT
I cover it with mine.
THE LADY
What must I next?
[_They play._]
PIERROT
Withdraw.
THE LADY
It goes too fast.
[_They continue playing, until Pierrot catches her hand._]
PIERROT[_Laughing._]
'Tis done. I win my forfeit at the last.
[_He tries to embrace her. She escapes; he chases her round the stage; she
eludes him._]
THE LADY
Thou art not quick enough. Who hopes to catch
A moon-beam, must use twice as much despatch.
PIERROT[_Sitting down sulkily._]
I grow aweary, and my heart is sore,
Thou dost not love me; I will play no more.
[_He buries his face in his hands: the lady stands over him._]
THE LADY
What is this petulance?
PIERROT
'Tis quick to tell--
Thou hast but mocked me.
THE LADY
Nay, I love thee well!
PIERROT
Repeat those words, for still within my breast
A whisper warns me they are said in jest.
THE LADY
I jested not: at daybreak I must go,
Yet loving thee far better than thou know.
PIERROT
Then, by this altar, and this sacred shrine,
Take my sworn troth, and swear thee wholly mine!
The Gods have wedded mortals long ere this.
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