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h!
- I'll dismount! Like your slave, I will lead your palfrey!
- [Hands her his riding-whip, and dismounts.]
- There now, my rosebud, my exquisite flower!
- Here I'll go trudging my way through the sand,
- till a sunstroke o'ertakes me and finishes me.
- I'm young, Anitra; bear that in mind!
- You mustn't be shocked at my escapades.
- Frolics and high-jinks are youth's sole criterion!
- And so, if your intellect weren't so dense,
- you would see at a glance, oh my fair oleander,-
- your lover is frolicsome-ergo, he's young!
ANITRA
- Yes, you are young. Have you any more rings?
PEER
- Am I not? There, grab! I can leap like a buck!
- Were there vine-leaves around, I would garland my brow.
- To be sure I am young! Hei, I'm going to dance!
- [Dances and sings.]
- I am a blissful game-cock!
- Peck me, my little pullet!
- Hop-sa-sa! Let me trip it;-
- I am a blissful game-cock!
ANITRA
- You are sweating, my prophet; I fear you will melt;-
- hand me that heavy bag hung at your belt.
PEER
- Tender solicitude! Bear the purse ever;-
- hearts that can love are content without gold!
- [Dances and sings again
