Ah! It is the business of a worshipful officer to scorn
deceit and to suffer.
HAGGITH. And all the people?
FIRST SOLDIER. The people are the people. But we soldiers are
soldiers--and must drink, or we cannot guard. (_Yawns_.) Eh! I could lie
down and snore for seven years, but I am appointed to watch all night.
HAGGITH (_suddenly caressing_). Sweet warrior! Would I could rest thee!
FIRST SOLDIER (_startled by the change in her demeanour_). Haggith! Thou
art marvellously and desirably changed.
HAGGITH. I am practising to thy profit for that which lies before me and
my mistress.
FIRST SOLDIER. What meanest thou?
HAGGITH. Chut! If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee--it will
not burst thee.
FIRST SOLDIER. Lord! turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence.
HAGGITH. And so thou sleepest not this night!... Neither do I sleep.
FIRST SOLDIER. What?
HAGGITH. I go with my mistress upon a journey.
FIRST SOLDIER. What journey? There can be no journey for thee, unless
thou leave the city and wend to the Assyrians.
HAGGITH (_curt again_). Nevertheless we go upon a journey.
FIRST SOLDIER.
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