Yes indeed, my child; but I will be as a father to you. SCAEVOLA (_to another spectator_). Now see, for heaven’s sake, how the tears are flowing from my eyes. THE OTHER. Why, neighbour, save them for the fifth act. SCARAMUCCIO. And who are you, pretty maid? THALIA. Thank you kindly, sir, for asking; I was christened Thalia. I was a servant in the family of this excellent lady, and I could not bring myself to leave her in her distress, and followed her among the Muses. SCARAMUCCIO. When the last act comes your faithfulness will surely be rewarded. Where is my groom? (_Enter the Groom._) SCARAMUCCIO. Saddle my Pegasus. I wish to go riding. (_Exit the Groom, coming back immediately with a bridled donkey._) Help me. (_He gets in the saddle._) [Illustration: THE MOUNTING OF PEGASUS.] GROOM. By what rules of quantity does your Honour choose to take his pleasure to-day? SCARAMUCCIO. Oh, fool! I will ride in plain, sensible prose. Do you suppose I wish to be jolted in Alcaic measures, or break my neck in Proceleusmatics? No, I am for sense and order. GROOM. Your predecessor was always flying in the air. SCARAMUCCIO. Don’t talk to me about the fellow. He must have been a very clown, a most eccentric ass. To fly into the air! No, the air has no pillars, I am all for the earth. Adieu, my friends! I am only going to ride a short essay on the value of family portraits. I shall be back presently. (_He rides slowly away._) (_The curtain drops._) SCAEVOLA. That was only the introduction. PIERROT. The first act is always of great importance for the lucidity of the whole. THE OTHER TO SCAEVOLA. There is much morality in the piece. SCAEVOLA. Indeed there is; I feel myself growing better already. PIERROT. Music! _Ludwig Tieck_ (1773-1853). _THE UNACCOUNTABLE STRANGER._ (FROM SCENE IV. OF “A TOPSY-TURVY WORLD.”) (_The room of an Inn._) INNKEEPER.