DICKON Prettily, prettily! Next!
RAVENSBANE [Changing his mien, as if addressing another person.] Verily, sir, as that prince of poets, the immortal Virgil, has remarked:
“Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est.”
DICKON Hm! Act up to the sentiment.
RAVENSBANE Verily, sir, as that prince—
DICKON No, no; basta! The next.
RAVENSBANE [With another change to courtly manner.] Trust me, your Excellency, I will inform his Majesty of your courtesy.
DICKON His Majesty more emphatic. Remember! You must impress all of the guests this afternoon.
RAVENSBANE His Majesty of your courtesy.
DICKON Delicious! O thou exquisite flower of love! How thy natal composites have burst in bloom: The pumpkin in thee to a golden collarette; thy mop of crow’s wings to these raven locks; thy broomstick to a lordly limp; thy corn-silk to these pale-tinted tassels. Verily in the gallery of scarecrows, thou art the Apollo Belvedere! But continue, Cobby dear: the retort now to the challenge.