Exercise for the Language Student
A Very Pretty Quarrel
He—Tell me you love me, pretty poppet
She—I love you more than you love me!
He—Oh, no! Excuse me, my own moppet;
But truly, sweet, that cannot be!
She—What cannot be?
He— That you could love me
More or as much as I love you.
She—Ah, so you set yourself above me?
He—No, no! not that!
She— Oh, yes, you do!
He—Now do be reasonable, dearie.
She— I will be, sir, if you’ll allow
I love you best.
He— You make me weary!
She—Well, just admit it, anyhow.
He—I won’t!
She— If you did love me best, dear,
You’d say whatever I might ask,
Because I ask it.
He— Chuck the rest, dear;
You’ve set me now an easy task.
She—I love you best! Is not that so, love?
He— It is; and thus we meet the test
I say what you command, you know, love,
Only because I love you best!
She—You horrid thing!
He— Why, what now, Janet?
I said just what you asked me to!
She—You’re mean and cruel!
He— You began it!
She— I didn’t! You did!
He— No; ’twas you!
He—Come, dearie, stop this silly snarling;
You do love most, I spoke in jest;
She—No, no, your love is greatest, darling;
He— No, my sweetheart, you love me best!
(Repeat ad lib. D. C. al fine)