Page:The life of the insects by Čapek brothers.pdf/29

 Iris. Ha, hal Guess again. ‘Love me, Iris, love me!’

Felix. (Flying in with a pen in his hand) Here it is, Clytie, listen!

She came in the light Spring weather,

Gay as a jonquil is [Iris laughs hysterically. What ’s the matter?

Iris. What a vulgar fellow! I could have strangled him.

Clytie. Otto?

Felix. Listen, Clytie—

And our two hearts rhymed together

And our lips were one in a kiss.

She said, ‘How strange to discover.

The lessons a kiss can teach!

You have turned a child to a lover

As a peach-flower turns to a peach.’

Iris. Is my hair horribly untidy?

Clytie. Horribly. Let me, darling—Beast!

Iris. You’re angry, aren’t you? (Imitating) Otto loves wonderfully.

Otto.I love you, Iris.

Iris. Catch me if you can.

Otto. I love you, Clytie.

Clytie. Follow me, follow me.

Felix. Wait, wait!

Tramp. Fool!

Felix. Who ’s that? Somebody, anyway. I’ll read you the end.

I answered ‘But each new-comer

Is only Supreme for an hour ’

Tramp. (Striking at him with his cap) Shoo!