A goodly song more miserably sung.
(Clapping hands) Oh, very poor indeed—oh, very weak,
No voice—no execution—out of tune—
Pretentious too—oh, very, very poor!
(Applauding as if in ecstacies.)
Altem. (amused). Indeed! I think I’ve often heard you say
No voice could rival Princess Zeolide’s?
Chrys. (enthusiastically). I’ve often said so—I have praised her voice,
Because I am a courtier—paid to praise.
I never meant one word of what I said;