ALICIA.
Sub pennis, penis!
CRASSUS.
Hush! you break the spell.
ALICIA.
Oh! you great fools fo men, I know you well.
But nothing is so detrimental
To love as to be sentimental.
I will yet make you wise.
Know that I have the magic to disguise
Myself in manyt ways. Do you feel this?
(Lie still, this heaven were ruined by a kiss!)
I am a butterfly, such idle flitting
As to a flower like you is fitting
Now I'm a mole. Do you think you know me now?
Here is the earthworm severed by the plough.
CRASSUS.
You are a witch. I want your love; you give
Only love's comedy.
ALICIA.
The way to live
Is to find comedy and tragedy
In everything. But if you cannot see
Through to the Bacchanal spirit, this should suit.
Here is the blacksmith hammering a flute.
CRASSUS.
Oh love, love, kiss me!
ALICIA.
I will forge a ring
Of bloom of blood-kisses upon your neck,
Till it is like a garden of roses in late spring.
CRASSUS.
"Soft, and stung softly, fairer for a fleck."
ALICIA.
O marvellous nation!
Vanity, dullness, slobber, and quotation!
CRASSUS.
Why do you love me if you scorn me so?