Part 38 (1/2)

_C._ Was that long ago, I pray?

_F._ It was but on last Sat.u.r.day.

_C._ What a villain then is he, 220 And men how full of all deceits, For he these last three years repeats That he's distraught for love of me.

Felipa, dost thou speak in jest?

I think indeed thou triflest, 225 But if with words thou wouldest play, Do not play upon my heart Since no jest is in the smart.

_F._ He came to me in the heat of the day, To the rock of the palm came he, 230 'Felipa, my life,' said he straightway, 'I am mad to marry thee.'

And I say, say I to him: 'Go away and have a swim.'

_C._ Perhaps he was but mocking thee.

235 _F._ Nay I know what's mockery And because I said him No I could see his tears downflow.

_C._ Ill be the tears that are so shed, For with me also he will weep, 240 And the crops may be eaten by his sheep, He does not even turn his head.

_F._ Well, I must go up the hill, Perhaps my flock may be in sight.

_C._ Thou leavest me in a plight so ill 245 That I've forgotten mine outright.

If one could but only know All the end in the beginning That one might have straightway so Knowledge that I now am winning!

_Enter Ferdinand, singing:_

250 With what eyes thou lookedst upon me That so fair I seemed to thee: How have other thoughts now won thee?

Who has spoken ill of me?

_C._ Good Ferdinand, art thou here 255 To see Felipa, thy lady dear?

But may thy coming even be Ill for thy flock and ill for thee.

_F._ Catherina, thus wouldst thou Deprive me of all power of speech?

260 Look straight at me, I beseech.

But if thus thou changest now With lowering and angry brow, 'Who has spoken ill of me?

With what eyes thou lookedst upon me?' etc.

265 _C._ Tell me, Ferdinand, I pray Why thou wouldest me betray?

If Felipa is thy love, Why me thus with treachery prove?

_F._ By my life, thou'rt mocking me today.

270 _C._ O no, I jest not: didst not say That thou with her wouldst gladly wed?

_F._ 'Twas but for fun the words were said.

In what I say will truth be found And believe no one else, I pray.

275 For as for me my life alway And soul and will in thee are bound.

_C._ With weeping since thy eyes were red Needs must be that thou lov'st her well.

_F._ I may have wept, I cannot tell, 280 But not for her my tears were shed.

Felipa's not unlike thee, so At sight of her I thought of thee And fell to weeping bitterly At memory of all my woe.