CHAUCER

Sooth, I have lost what fair your ladyship

Could least, methinks, supply—a piece of wit

Without a tongue; that is, a piece of parchment

Writ o’er with verses.

SQUIRE

Verses! Sir, a word.

[Draws Chaucer aside to the arbour and whispers.]

JOHANNA

A clever rogue! He’d make an apt court-fool.