The Lovers’ Ruse
Theodora. Show more of gentleness and modesty;
Of gentleness in walking quietly,
Of modesty in looking only down
Upon the earth you tread.
Belisa. ’Tis what I do.
Theodora. What? When yoe looking straight towards that man?
Belisa. Did you not bid me look upon the earth?
And what is he but just a bit of it?
Theodora. I said the earth whereon you tread, my niece.
Belisa. But that whereon I tread is hidden quite
With my own petticoat and walking-dress.
Theodora. Words such as these become no well-bred maid.
But by your mother’s blessèd memory,
I’ll put an end to all your pretty tricks;—
What? You look back at him again?
Belisa. Who? I?
Theodora. Yes, you; and make him secret signs besides.
Belisa. Not I. ’Tis only that you troubled me
With teasing questions and perverse replies,
So that I stumbled and looked round to see
Who would prevent my fall.
Riselo (to Lisardo). She falls again.
Be quick and help her.
Lisardo (to Belisa). Pardon me lady,
And forgive my glove.
Theodora. Who ever saw the like?
Belisa. Thank you, sir; you saved me from a fall.
Lisardo. An angel, lady, might have fallen so;
Or stars that shine with Heaven’s own blessèd light.
Theodora. I, too, can fall; but this is but a trick.
Good gentleman, farewell to you!
Lisardo. Madam,
Your servants. (Heaven save us from such spleen!)
Theodora. A pretty fall you made of it, and now I hope
You’ll be content, since they assisted you.
Belisa. And you no less content, since now you have
The means to tease me for a week to come.
Theodora. But why again do you turn back your head?
Belisa. Why, sure you think it wise and wary
To notice well the place I stumbled at,
Lest I should stumble there when next I pass,
Theodora. Go to! Come home! come home!
Belisa. Now we shall have
A pretty scolding cook’d up out of this.
“El Azero de Madrid.” Lope de Vega (1562-1635).
Trans. Ticknor.