Hearts as soft and limbs as rounded,
Forms with every grace surrounded,
You may meet with, up and down!
But with wisdom no one's blest,
Like the maiden I love best!"
A shout of laughter answered this strophe; some began to sing the réfrain and others joined them. But a voice from the crowd asked, "But how can you prove, fair Marion, that this lady of whom he talks is not another than yourself?" "Listen again," cried Marion, "there is no doubt about it." Then she sang--
"Others may more sweetly sing,
Lighter through the dancers swing,
Never a straw I care!
Prattle half an hour free,