THE LADY
Would, then, I knew
More of the earth, what men and women do.
PIERROT
I will explain.
THE LADY
Let brevity attend
Thy wit, for night approaches to its end.
PIERROT
Once was I a page at Court, so trust in me:
That's the first lesson of society.
THE LADY
Society?
PIERROT
I mean the very best
Pardy! thou wouldst not hear about the rest.
I know it not, but am a petit maître
At rout and festival and bal champêtre
But since example be instruction's ease,
Let's play the thing.—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?