The Bores: A Comedy in Three Acts
Chapter 14
ER. Ha! how long you have been, and how you have made me suffer.
LA M. Sir, I could not make greater haste.
ER. But at length do you bring me some news?
LA M. Doubtless; and by express command, from her you love, I have something to tell you.
ER. What? Already my heart yearns for the message. Speak!
LA M. Do you wish to know what it is?
ER. Yes; speak quickly.
LA M. Sir, pray wait. I have almost run myself out of breath.
ER. Do you find any pleasure in keeping me in suspense?
LA M. Since you wish to know at once the orders which I have received from this charming person, I will tell you.... Upon my word, without boasting of my zeal, I went a great way to find the lady; and if...
ER. Hang your digressions!
LA M. Fie! you should somewhat moderate your passion; and Seneca...
ER. Seneca is a fool in your mouth, since he tells me nothing of all that concerns me. Tell me your message at once.
LA M. To satisfy you, Orphise ... An insect has got among your hair.
ER. Let it alone.
LA M. This lovely one sends you word ...
ER. What?
LA M. Guess.
ER. Are you aware that I am in no laughing mood?
LA M. Her message is, that you are to remain in this place, that in a short time you shall see her here, when she has got rid of some country-ladies, who greatly bore all people at court.
ER. Let us, then stay in the place she has selected. But since this message affords me some leisure, let me muse a little. (_Exit La Montagne_). I propose to write for her some verses to an air which I know she likes.
(_He walks up and down the stage in a reverie_).