Arch. That's my dear—What are the signs and tokens of that passion?
Cher. A stealing look, a stammering tongue, words improbable, designs impossible, and actions impracticable.
Arch. That's my good child, kiss me.——What must a lover do to obtain his mistress?
Cher. He must adore the person that disdains him, he must bribe the chambermaid that betrays him, and court the footman that laughs at him!——He must, he must——
Arch. Nay, child, I must whip you if you don't mind your lesson; he must treat his——
Cher. O! ay, he must treat his enemies with respect, his friends with indifference, and all the world with contempt; he must suffer much, and fear more; he must desire much, and hope little; in short, he must embrace his ruin, and throw himself away.
Arch. Had ever man so hopeful a pupil as mine? Come, my dear, why is love called a riddle?
Cher. Because, being blind, he leads those that see; and, though a child, he governs a man.
Arch. Mighty well—And why is love pictured blind?
Cher. Because the painters, out of their weakness, or privilege of their art, chose to hide those eyes they could not draw.