Part 38 (1/2)

The Emperor's chamberlains, behold Their silver shoes and staves of gold.

Look, look! how like some heaven come down The maidens go with girded gown!

JOAN

Yea, yea, and this last row of them Draw up their kirtles by the hem, And scatter roses e'en like those About my father's garden-close.

GILES

Ah! have I hurt you? See the girls Whose slim hands scatter very pearls.

JOAN

Hold me fast, Giles! here comes one Whose raiment flashes down the sun.

GILES

O sweet mouth! O fair lids cast down!

O white brow! O the crown, the crown!

JOAN

How near! if nigher I might stand By one ell, I could touch his hand.

GILES

Look, Joan! if on this side she were Almost my hand might touch her hair.

JOAN

Ah me! what is she thinking on?

GILES

Is he content now all is won?

JOAN

And does she think as I thought, when Betwixt the dancing maids and men, Twixt the porch rose-boughs blossomed red I saw the roses on my bed?