Aur. I am for applying the plaster while the wound is green; ’twill heal the better. [Takes her by the hand.

Lau. Let go my hand!  What crime has the poor wretch committed, that you press it thus?  I remember no mischief it has done you.

Aur. O, ’tis a heinous malefactor, and is pressed by law, because it will confess nothing.  Come, withdraw a little farther, we have urgent business with one another.

Lau. ’Twere a shame to quit my ground upon the first charge; yet if you please to take a truce a little, I will consent to go behind the lovers, and listen with you.

Aur. I wonder you deferred the proposition so long.  I were neither
true valet, nor you true woman, if we could not eves-drop.
                  [They retire behind the other two, who come forward
                   upon the Stage.

Cam. [Kissing VIOLETTA’S hand.] Give me another yet, and then—­

Vio. And then will you be satisfied?

Cam. And then I’ll ask a thousand more, and ne’er be satisfied.  Kisses are but thin nourishment; they are too soon digested, and hungry love craves more.

Vio. You feed a wolf within you.

Cam. Then feast my love with a more solid diet.  He makes us now a miser’s feast, and we forbear to take our fill.  The silent night, and all these downy hours, were made for lovers:  Gently they tread, and softly measure time, that no rude noise may fright the tender maid, from giving all her soul to melting joys.

Vio. You do not love me; if you did, you would not Thus urge your satisfaction in my shame; At best, I see you would not love me long, For they, who plunder, do not mean to stay.

Cam. I haste to take possession of my own.

Vio. Ere heaven and holy vows have made it so?

Cam. Then witness, heaven, and all these twinkling stars—­

Vio. Hold, hold, you are distempered with your love; Time, place, and strong desires, now swear, not you.

Cam. Is not love love, without a priest and altars? 
The temples are inanimate, and know not
What vows are made in them; the priest stands ready
For his hire, and cares not what hearts he couples;
Love alone is marriage.

Vio. I never will receive these midnight vows: 
But when I come hereafter to your arms,
I’ll bring you a sincere, full, perfect bliss;
Then you will thank me that I kept it so,
And trust my faith hereafter.

Lau. There is your destiny, lover mine:  I am to be honest by infection; my lady will none, you see.

Aur. Truth is, they are a lost couple, unless they learn grace by our example.  Come, shall we begin first, and shame them both?
                                       [Takes her by the hand again.