(_She comes out of the bookcase_.)

Come forth and whan we've made our reckoning
That girl perchance another tune will sing.

(_Enter the_ PRIORESS.)

What word, sweet Eglantine, would you employ
To tell us of your vengeful wrath?

PRIORESS. (_with deep intensity_) St. Loy!

WIFE. Then Chaucer's uttered sooth about her oath!
Odsbodikins! That cannot do us both!

PRIORESS. Come hider, my two nonnes to my side,
Till that my mighty anger shall subside.

(_Enter two_ NUNS _who stand on either side of the_ PRIORESS.)

That girl, alas! hath made my speech too tarte
Who once was conscience al and tendre herte.
O Emelye, whose hair is in a tresse
Behynd your back, a yarde long.

WIFE. (_aside_) I guesse.

(_Enter_ EMILY.)

PRIORESS. O Emelye, let that hair's golden ray
Shine on our vengeance ere another day.

EMILY. The path of duty plain is to be seen.

(_Enter_ HIPPOLYTA, _the queen._)

EMILY. Ladies, this is Hippolyta, the queen.

(_They all bow, the_ PRIORESS _with delicate grace, the_ WIFE _with a
clumsy courtesy_.)

EMILY. My sister is a famous Amazon.

HIPPOLYTA. I have no grievance, but I want the fun.

PRIORESS. In courtesye lay ever my desire.

(_Aside to_ NUNS.)

How charming with a real queen to conspire.

FIRST NUN. Madame, your smiling is full simple.

SECOND NUN. And coy.

WIFE. Come, how can we that saucy wight destroy?

EMILY. (_musingly_)
She, as a servant, would befit my station.

FIRST NUN. (_to_ PRIORESS) Or feed your hounds.

(_The_ SECOND NUN _nods in agreement_.)

PRIORESS. (_catching sight of the_ WIFE'S _look of disapproval--aside_)
Or scour _her_ reputation!

WIFE. Pray, madam, if it's all the same to you
Perhaps the rest would like a word or two.

PRIORESS. I fear you ask too little, for I know
That you have answered "yes" five times or so!

WIFE. A spiteful thing! Perhaps if you'd had _one_,
He might have taught you how to curb your tongue.

(_There is a weak cry from the bookcase._)

EMILY. Surely 'twas not to quarrel that we came.

(_A second cry from the bookcase_)

PRIORESS. Hark. 'Tis a voice I hardly dare to name.

(_Enter from behind th