I know not neighbour Constance?
Then know I not myself, or anything
Which as myself I know!
True. Heigh ho!
Wild. Heigh ho!
Why what a burden that for a man's song!
Would fit a maiden that was sick for love.
Heigh ho! Come ride with me to Lincolnshire,
And turn thy "Heigh ho!" into "hilly ho!"
True. Nay, rather tarry thou in town with me.
Men sometimes find a friend's hand of avail,
When useless proves their own. Wilt lend me thine?
Wild. Or may my horse break down in a steeple-chase!
True. A steeple-chase. What made thee think of that?
I'm for the steeple--not to ride a race,
Only to get there!--nor alone, in sooth,
But in fair company.
Wild. Thou'rt not in love!
True. Heigh ho!
Wild. Thou wouldst not marry!
True. With your help.
Wild. And whom, I prithee?
True. Gentle Mistress Constance!
Wild. What!--neighbour Constance?--Never did I dream
That mortal man would fall in love with her. [Aside.]
In love with neighbour Constance!--I feel strange
At thought that she should marry!--[Aside.] Go to church
With neighbour Constance! That's a steeple-chase
I never thought of. I feel very strange!
What seest in neighbour Constance?
True. Lovers' eyes
See with a vision proper to themselves;
Yet thousand eyes will vouch what mine affirm.
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