 | Handsome Is That Handsome Does |  |
II.
Shyface.Here, in the Doleful Chair I sit,
And vainly tax my jaded wit,
To think how I may mend my lot.
Alas, I feel that I have not
The power from off this seat to stir!
Sweet Heart, what will become of her?
Never will be our wedding-day—
But hark, what footsteps come this way?
Fool.
How do you, sir? I bring you here
A fair maid—
Sweet Heart
(whispering).
No!
Fool.
A maiden dear,
Who of her own free will and grace
(Resolved that you shall from this place
Remove) has done—a certain thing,
Which doth enable me to bring
The very charm to set you free!
Shyface.
What gracious lady can she be?
Or can it be my own Sweet Heart,
From whom I never more shall part?
118
She stands here veiled.
Shyface.
Ah, if I knew!
Fool.
Let me describe the maid to you.
Sweet Heart
(whispering).
But do it gently.
Fool.
Very good!
This damsel, under veil and hood,
Has small deep eyes of muddy grey,
A dull deep mouse tint, so to say;
Her mouth, a slit above her chin,
Is fit to put her victuals in;
Her hair, to speak the truth—
Sweet Heart
(whispering).
Oh, pray!
Fool.
The lady tells me not to say.
Her voice—
Sweet Heart
(aside).
I have nearly lost my voice!
Fool.
Well—when she speaks she makes a noise.
Now! (to her)
what I whisper in your ear
Repeat at once in accents clear!
Sweet Heart.
Oh! (hoarsely and tremulously)
—Handsome is that handsome does.
Fool.
Young man, arise! We free you thus!
Sweet Heart.
Now you are free! Why do you start
Aside? I am your own Sweet Heart;
I feel my voice is harsh and frayed
Just now—
119
But are you such a maid
As this magician just now said?
If so, you cannot, cannot be
My own Sweet Heart! Pray let me see—
[Touching her veil.
Sweet Heart.
No, no, not now!
Shyface.
Then, as you will!
Kind maiden—
Sweet Heart.
You must love me still,
You must not thank me!
Shyface.
I will seek
My own Sweet Heart; and she will speak
For me. So, for a space, adieu!
[Rushing out.
| Handsome Is That Handsome Does | |