Plun. Betsy Ann? I rather like it!
Come here, my girl: lend a hand then, will you, Betsy?
(Pulls off his coat and offers it to her.)
Take my coat and hang it up.
Nan. Do't yourself!
Plun. You lazy hussy!
Lio. Come, you frighten her by scolding.
Speak more gently, say like that—
Martha, take away my hat.
(Holds it toward her. Martha stamps her foot, slaps hat out of his hand and walks up stage. He, bewildered, hangs up his own hat.)
Lio. O, how have I offended? I cannot understand.
Yes, I'm awfully perplexed.
Why should she act so grand?
Plun. Ah, what can be the matter?
I do not understand.
Some secret she is screening,
Her manner is so grand.
Nan. Ah, on my dignity I stand.
They give an order quite off hand!
Lady H. To tyranny I'll ne'er give in,
We'll fight them now, to win.
He thinks me strange and haughty
But on my right I stand,
Commanding I must withstand him,
Resist his harsh demand.