Peer.
Coquette!
What, home! To papa-in-law! That would be fine!
We madcap birds that have flown from the cage
Must never come into his sight again.
Besides, my child, in the self-same place
It's wisest never to stay too long;
For familiarity lessens respect;—
Most of all when one comes as a prophet or such.
One should show oneself glimpse-wise and pass like a dream.
Faith, 'twas time that the visit should come to an end.
They're unstable of soul, are these sons of the desert;—
Both incense and prayers dwindled off towards the end.
Anitra.
Yes, but are you a prophet?
Peer.
Your Emperor I am
[Tries to kiss her.
Why just see now how coy the wee woodpecker is!
Anitra.
Give me that ring that you have on your finger.
Peer.
Take, sweet Anitra, the whole of the trash!
Anitra.
Thy words are as songs! Oh, how dulcet their sound!
Peer.
How blessëd to know oneself loved to this pitch
