THE NEWLY BORN [as the world bursts on her vision] Oh!  Oh!!  Oh!!!  Oh!!!! [She continues this ad libitum during the following remonstrances].

ACIS.  Hold your noise, will you?

The washing begins.  The Newly Born shrieks and struggles.

A YOUTH.  Lie quiet, you clammy little devil.

A MAIDEN.  You must be washed, dear.  Now quiet, quiet, quiet:  be good.

ACIS.  Shut your mouth, or I’ll shove the sponge in it.

THE MAIDEN.  Shut your eyes.  Itll hurt if you don’t.

ANOTHER MAIDEN.  Dont be silly.  One would think nobody had ever been born before.

THE NEWLY BORN [yells]!!!!!!

ACIS.  Serve you right!  You were told to shut your eyes.

THE YOUTH.  Dry her off quick.  I can hardly hold her.  Shut it, will you; or I’ll smack you into a pickled cabbage.

The dressing begins.  The Newly Born chuckles with delight.

THE MAIDEN.  Your arms go here, dear.  Isnt it pretty?  Youll look lovely.

THE NEWLY BORN [rapturously] Oh!  Oh!!  Oh!!!  Oh!!!!

ANOTHER YOUTH.  No:  the other arm:  youre putting it on back to front.  You are a silly little beast.

ACIS.  Here!  Thats it.  Now youre clean and decent.  Up with you!  Oopsh! [He hauls her to her feet.  She cannot walk at first, but masters it after a few steps].  Now then:  march.  Here she is, Ancient:  put her through the catechism.

THE SHE-ANCIENT.  What name have you chosen for her?

ACIS.  Amaryllis.

THE SHE-ANCIENT [to the Newly Born] Your name is Amaryllis.

THE NEWLY BORN.  What does it mean?

A YOUTH.  Love.

A MAIDEN.  Mother.

ANOTHER YOUTH.  Lilies.

THE NEWLY BORN [to Acis] What is your name?

ACIS.  Acis.

THE NEWLY BORN.  I love you, Acis.  I must have you all to myself.  Take me in your arms.

ACIS.  Steady, young one.  I am three years old.

THE NEWLY BORN.  What has that to do with it?  I love you; and I must have you or I will go back into my shell again.

ACIS.  You cant.  It’s broken.  Look here [pointing to Strephon, who has remained in his seal without looking round at the birth, wrapped up in his sorrow]!  Look at this poor fellow!

THE NEWLY BORN.  What is the matter with him?

ACIS.  When he was born he chose a girl two years old for his sweetheart.  He is two years old now himself; and already his heart is broken because she is four.  That means that she has grown up like this Ancient here, and has left him.  If you choose me, we shall have only a year’s happiness before I break your heart by growing up.  Better choose the youngest you can find.

THE NEWLY BORN.  I will not choose anyone but you.  You must not grow up.  We will love one another for ever. [They all laugh].  What are you laughing at?