This fool besets me so.
(Suddenly correcting himself, and joining the Ladies, who have retired to the bottom of the stage, he speaks to Countess Freberg with affected cheerfulness.)
Untarnish'd with the vigils of the night.
Lady. Praise us not rashly, 'tis not always so,
De Mon. He does not rashly praise who praises you;
For he were dull indeed—
(Stopping short, as if he heard something.)
Lady.How dull indeed?
De Mon. I should have said—It has escap'd me now
(Listening again, as if he heard something.)
Jane to De Mon. What, hear you ought?
De Mon. (hastily.)'Tis nothing.
Lady to De Mon. Nay, do not let me lose it so, my lord.
Some fair one has bewitch'd your memory,
And robs me of the half-form'd compliment.
Jane. Half-utter'd praise is to the curious mind,
As to the eye half-veiled beauty is,
More precious than the whole. Pray pardon him.
Some one approaches.(Listening.)
Freb. No, no, it is a servant who ascends;
He will not come so soon.
Mon. (Off his guard.) 'Tis Rezenvelt: I heard his well-known foot!
From the first stair-case, mounting step by step.
