ACRES
What's the matter with the gentleman?
ABSOLUTE He is only expressing his great satisfaction at hearing that Julia has been so well and happy—that's all—hey, Faulkland?
FAULKLAND
Oh! I am rejoiced to hear it—yes, yes, she has a happy disposition!
ACRES That she has indeed—then she is so accomplished—so sweet a voice—so expert at her harpsichord—such a mistress of flat and sharp, squallante, rumblante, and quiverante!—There was this time month—odds minims and crotchets! how she did chirrup at Mrs. Piano's concert!
FAULKLAND There again, what say you to this? you see she has been all mirth and song—not a thought of me!
ABSOLUTE
Pho! man, is not music the food of love?
FAULKLAND Well, well, it may be so.—Pray, Mr.—, what's his damned name?—Do you remember what songs Miss Melville sung?
ACRES
Not I indeed.
ABSOLUTE Stay, now, they were some pretty melancholy purling-stream airs, I warrant; perhaps you may recollect;—did she sing, When absent from my soul's delight?
ACRES
No, that wa'n't it.