Nan. Martha, Martha, what are we going to do? (Twelve o'clock strikes slowly as they speak.)
Plun. Pooh! What ails you now? My patience is worn out! Get to bed, you idle baggage! You are a hard case, that's easy to see.
(Quartet follows.)
Lady H., Nan., Plun. and Lio. Midnight chimes sound afar!
Lio. If the maid her love refuse me,
Yet I pledge my faithful heart,
In her glance faint hope is smiling,
Bringing comfort ere here we part.
Nan. Of our foolish prank I'm weary,
Tho' in play 'twas fain begun;
Yet our childish trick is working
Pain and sorrow to every one.
So good night!
Plun. Now good night and sleep in quiet,
Tho' you're fractious I am kind,
Naughty girls to work must settle,
Learn to mind.
Lady H. That to wound his heart I'm fated
Fills my heart with pity and pain,
Ah, our mad caprice is working
Pain and sorrow, all in vain.
Lio. Though her love she refuse me,
Yet I pledge my faithful heart,
So good night, good night!
(Girls go out and close door, before orchestral ending. Then the men retire after locking the outer door. Girls open their door again, peep out, run back, and shut door, etc.; then come out again, watching with finger on lips for interruptions. They speak.)