MELISANDE (with a sigh). Yes, she has suitors.
GERVASE (taking out his dagger). Tell me their names that I may remove them for you.
MELISANDE. There is one dressed in black and white who seeks to win my hand.
GERVASE (feeling the point). He bites the dust to-morrow.
MELISANDE. To-morrow?
GERVASE. Unless it rains in the night. Perhaps it would be safer if we arranged for him to bite it this afternoon.
MELISANDE. How brave you are!
GERVASE. Say no more. It will be a pleasure.
MELISANDE. Ah, but I cannot ask you to make this sacrifice for me.
GERVASE. The sacrifice will be his.