Lacy:
No! No! Ten thousand negatives! I abhor your common fustian speech. Words, like coins, grow lighter in the using; so I mint a new word to charm the ear, as a jeweller sets a gem to catch the eye. [Turning to Miss Fitton.] But I’ve tired you, most divine fair, with peevish argument, instead of pleasing with example. I entreat forgiveness: am carmined with confusion. [A bevy of girls come up: the first cries—] “We are allowed to dance”: [the second—] “How shall we begin, with the galliard or the Coranto?” [They speak chiefly to Lord Herbert and Mistress Fitton, because Lord Lacy is staring at one of their number, Lady Joan Nevil. Lacy, turning again to Herbert.] What heavenly pulchritude! casting light, not shadow, upon earth. Who is the wonder, nymph or angel? My eyes are blinded by her celestial radiance.
Herbert:
[Stepping forward.] Lady Joan, let me present Lord Lacy here, who professes himself your admirer.
Lacy:
[Bowing to the ground.] Admirer [with a reproachful glance at Herbert], worshipper of your most angelic loveliness! Lady, my senses are all your slaves.
Lady Joan:
I free them at once, my lord. I would not slavish service.
Lacy:
O voice most tuneful and beyond music harmonious!