Act 2 — SCENE III.—ÉRASTE, LA MONTAGNE.
Reading edition
ER. Ha! how long you have been, and how you have made me suffer.
LA M. Sir, I could not make greater haste.
ER. But at length do you bring me some news?
LA M. Doubtless; and by express command, from her you love, I have something to tell you.
ER. What? Already my heart yearns for the message. Speak!
LA M. Do you wish to know what it is?
ER. Yes; speak quickly.
LA M. Sir, pray wait. I have almost run myself out of breath.
ER. Do you find any pleasure in keeping me in suspense?
LA M. Since you wish to know at once the orders which I have received from this charming person, I will tell you…. Upon my word, without boasting of my zeal, I went a great way to find the lady; and if…
ER. Hang your digressions!
LA M. Fie! you should somewhat moderate your passion; and Seneca…
ER. Seneca is a fool in your mouth, since he tells me nothing of all that concerns me. Tell me your message at once.
LA M. To satisfy you, Orphise … An insect has got among your hair.
ER. Let it alone.
LA M. This lovely one sends you word …
ER. What?
LA M. Guess.
ER. Are you aware that I am in no laughing mood?
LA M. Her message is, that you are to remain in this place, that in a short time you shall see her here, when she has got rid of some country-ladies, who greatly bore all people at court.
ER. Let us, then stay in the place she has selected. But since this message affords me some leisure, let me muse a little. (Exit La Montagne). I propose to write for her some verses to an air which I know she likes.
(He walks up and down the stage in a reverie).