Part 8 (1/2)

VIO. How beautiful, Anselmo! Where did you find them?

ANS. Close by the brook.

LIL. You gathered all there were?

ANS. Not by one hundredth part.

LEL. Nay, is it true?

We must have more of them!

ARI. And are they fragrant As well?

ANS. Ay, by my heart, they are so sweet I near to fainted climbing the bank with them.

[The ladies cl.u.s.ter about Anselmo and smell the flowers.]

LIL. Oh!

VIO. Ah!

CLA. How drowsily sweet!

LEL. Oh, sweet!

ARI. What fragrance!

[Enter Laura and Giovanna, followed by Carlotta and Raffaele.]

LAU. La, by my lung! I am as out of breath As a babe new-born! Whew! Let me catch the air!

[She drops her flowers and seats herself beside them.]

CAR. [to the younger ladies and Anselmo, by way of greeting.]

How hot the sun is getting.

ANS. 'Tis nigh noon, I think.

GIO. 'Tis noon.

CLA. We must be starting back.

LAU. Not till I get my breath.

RAF. Come,--I will fan you. [He fans her with a branch,]

LAU. Tis good--'tis very good--oh, peace--oh, slumber-- Oh, all good things! You are a proper youth.

You are a zephyr. I would have you fan me Till you fall dead.

CAR. I tell you when it comes To gathering flowers, much is to be said For spreading sheets on the gra.s.s,--it gives you less The backache.

LAU. n.o.bly uttered, my sweet bird.

GIO. Yet brides must have bouquets.