--Now, Madame, if you please!
[_He helps her to rise, and leads her forward: then he kisses her hand,
bowing over it with a very courtly air._]
THE LADY
What am I, then?
PIERROT
A most divine Marquise!
Perhaps that attitude hath too much ease.
[_Passes her._]Ah, that is better! To complete the plan,
Nothing is necessary save a fan.
THE LADY
Cool is the night, what needs it?
PIERROT
Madame, pray
Reflect, it is essential to our play.
THE LADY[_Taking a lily._]
Here is my fan!
PIERROT
So, use it with intent:
The deadliest arm in beauty's armament!
THE LADY
What do we next?
PIERROT
We talk!
THE LADY But what about?
PIERROT
We quiz the company and praise the rout;
Are polished, petulant, malicious, sly,
Or what you will, so reputations die.
Observe the Duchess in Venetian lace,
With the red eminence.
THE LADY
A pretty face!
PIERROT
For something tarter set thy wits to search--
"She loves the churchman better than the church."
THE LADY
Her blush is charming; would it were her own!
PIERROT
Madame is merciless!
THE LADY
Is that the tone?
PIERROT
The very tone: I swear thou laciest naught.
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