When the spectators heard this, they broke out into tears and jumped upon the stage to assure their father of their heartfelt sympathy. And thus the allegorical comedy vanished.
CONSTANCY AND PLAY
"Of course you are alone, Lucinda?"
"I do not know—perhaps—I think—"
"Please! please! dear Lucinda. You know very well that when little Wilhelmina says 'please! please!' and you do not do at once what she wants, she cries louder and louder until she gets her way."
"So it was to tell me that that you rushed into my room so out of breath and frightened me so?"
"Do not be angry with me, sweet lady, I beg of you! Oh, my child!
Lovely creature! Be a good girl and do not reproach me!"
"Well, I suppose you will soon be asking me to close the door?"
"So? I will answer that directly. But first a nice long kiss, and then another, and then some more, and after that more still."
"Oh! You must not kiss me that way—if you want me to keep my senses!
It makes one think bad thoughts."