The sweetest, wisest serpent in this world.

Thou charmest me with those dazzling eyes o’ thine.

And though the blessed bread were yet in mouth,

I’d go to Hell to do a deed for thee.

And yet thou art a snake, as well thou knowest.

Is it not so, sweet Vivien?

[Pg 15]

[Pg 15]

Vivien. Can’st thou be wise for once Dagonet?

Yea let me teach thee.

Dagonet. And what is it to be wise?

Vivien. To leave aside that mummer’s lightsome talk,

And show a front of silent dignity.

Dagonet. Like the King?

Vivien. Aye, like the King.

Dagonet. Then to be wise is to be like the king,

To be a cup of summer wine to-day,

Anon a dish of lonesome woe to-morrow.

I love not much this wisdom thou dost teach,

These high come-ups and downs they like me not.

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