[Speaking to the Chorus.
O dearest maidens, tread with feet of wool;
Come softly, make no rustling, raise no cry:
For though your kindness be right dear to me,
Yet to wake him will work me double mischief.
[The Chorus enters.
Ch. Softly, softly! let your tread
Fall upon the ground like snow!
Every sound be dumb and dead:
Breathe and speak in murmurs low!
El. Further from the couch, I pray you; further yet, and yet away!
Ch. Even so, dear maid, you see that I obey.
El. Ah, my friend, speak softly, slowly,
Like the sighing of a rush.
Ch. See I speak and answer lowly
With a stealthy smothered hush.
El. That is right: come hither now; come boldly forward to my side;
Come, and say what need hath brought you: for at length with watching tried,
Lo, he sleeps, and on the pillow spreads his limbs and tresses wide.