Actress. True. What shall we do first?
Director. First, you must sing something to please the ears of the audience.
Actress. What season of the year shall I sing about?
Director. Why, sing about the pleasant summer which has just begun. For at this time of year
A mid-day plunge will temper heat;
The breeze is rich with forest flowers;
To slumber in the shade is sweet;
And charming are the twilight hours.
Actress (sings).
The siris-blossoms fair,
With pollen laden,
Are plucked to deck her hair
By many a maiden,
But gently; flowers like these
Are kissed by eager bees.
Director. Well done! The whole theatre is captivated by your song, and sits as if painted. What play shall we give them to keep their good-will?
Actress. Why, you just told me we were to give a new play called Shakuntala and the ring.
Director. Thank you for reminding me. For the moment I had quite forgotten.