_First M._ Why so? _Chispa._ Because I have heard it said that Saturday is an unpleasant day for those who have but one shirt. Moreover, I have seen thee at the tavern, and if thou canst run as fast as thou canst drink, I should like to hunt hares with thee. What instrument is that? _First M._ An Aragonese bag-pipe. _Chispa._ Pray, art thou related to the bag-piper of Bujalance, who asked a maravedi for playing and ten for leaving off? _First M._ No, your honor. _Chispa._ I am glad of it. What other instruments have we? _Second and Third M._ We play the bandurria. _Chispa._ A pleasing instrument. And thou? _Fourth M._ The fife. _Chispa._ I like it; it has a cheerful, soul-stirring sound, that soars up to my lady’s window like the song of a swallow. And you others? _Other Musicians._ We are the singers, please your honor. _Chispa._ You are too many. Do you think we are going to sing mass in the Cathedral of Cordova? Four men can make but little use of one shoe, and I see not how you can all sing in one song. But follow me along the garden wall. That is the way my master climbs to the lady’s window. It is by the vicar’s skirts that the devil climbs into the belfry. Come, follow me and make no noise. [_Exeunt._ Scene III.—_Preciosa’s Chamber. She stands by the open window._ _Preciosa._ How slowly through the lilac-scented air Descends the tranquil moon! Like thistle-down The vapory clouds float in the peaceful sky: And sweetly from yon hollow vaults of shade The nightingales breathe out their souls in song, Flattering the ear of night. And hark! what sounds Answer them from below! Serenade. Stars of the summer night! Far in yon azure deeps, Hide, hide your golden light, She sleeps! My lady sleeps! Sleeps! Moon of the summer night! Far down yon western steeps, Sink, sink in silver light! She sleeps! My lady sleeps! Sleeps! Wind of the summer night! Where yonder woodbine creeps, Fold, fold your pinions light! She sleeps! My lady sleeps! Sleeps! Dreams of the summer night! Tell her, her lover keeps Watch! while in slumber light She sleeps! My lady sleeps! Sleeps!