Methought I heard the dropping of a pin!—
Perhaps I should arise and search for it....
Yet why, on second thoughts, disturb myself,
Since I am, by my settlements, to have
A handsome sum allowed for pin-money?
Nay, since thou claim'st thy freedom, little pin,
I lack the heart to keep thee prisoner.
Go, then, and join the great majority
Of fallen, vagrant, unregarded pinhood—
My bliss is too supreme at such an hour
To heed such infidelities as thine.
[Falls into a happy reverie.
Enter First and Second Bridesmaids.
First and Second Bridesmaids. What, how now, Emily—not yet attired?
Nay, haste, for Peter will be here anon!
[They hurry her off by r. door, just as Peter Paragon enters l. in bridal array. N.B.—The exigencies of the Drama are responsible for his making his appearance here, instead of waiting, as is more usual, at the church.
Peter (meditatively). The golden sands of my celibacy
Are running low—soon falls the final grain!
Yet, even now, the glass I would not turn.
My Emily is not without her faults
"Was not without them," I should rather say,
For during ten idyllic years of courtship,
By precept and example I have striven
To mould her to a helpmate fit for me.
Now, thank the Gods, my labours are complete.
She stands redeemed from all her giddiness!
[Here he steps upon the pin, and utters an exclamation.
Ha! What is this? I'm wounded ... agony!
With what a darting pain my foot's transfixed!
I'll summon help (with calm courage)—yet, stay, I would not dim
This nuptial day by any sombre cloud.
I'll bear this stroke alone—and now to probe
The full extent of my calamity.