Miss Fitton:

I cannot sing it, you know. I have none of women’s little graces.

Shakespeare:

Being grace itself, you can forego graces. But I have Hughes without, if you will hear him.

Miss Fitton:

Willingly; but he must not stay long. [While Shakespeare goes away, L., she reads the words aloud.] “I am my own fever, my own fever and pain.”

[Shakespeare returns with Hughes, who bows to Miss Fitton. Miss Fitton nods negligently, and leaves the spinet, taking a seat, L.C. Shakespeare stands at her side, facing the audience, while Hughes sings.]

Hughes [Sings.)

“I attempt from Love’s sickness to fly in vain,

Since I am myself, my own fever,