[Jack:]
When I go into your room
For goodnight, dear,
I must grope about in gloom--
Not a light, dear!
And it isn't clear to me
What objection there can be
If I light a lamp to see
All is right, dear!
[Edith:]
"Keep your passions in control--
Only think about your soul--
Quell your heart's unruly throb,"
Says the Reverend William Schwabb.
[Jack:]
Here's a tract!
[Edith:]
Read the tract!
[Jack:]
Says, in fact--
[Edith:]
Says, in fact--
[Jack:]
That the wise and the discerning
Keep their lamps for ever burning.
It's a fact!
[Edith:]
Not a fact!
[Jack:]
See the tract!
[Both (Edith's words):]
You must not pretend to act...
(Jack's words) I propose at once to act...
(Edith's words) You must not pretend to act
upon the tract.
[Jack:]
When you let me tie the lace
Of your shoe, dear,
Must I turn away my face
As I do, dear?
If your husband has a whim
To observe an ankle trim,
You could safely humour him--
What say you, dear?
[Edith:]
"No, in such a case you must
Keep your looks upon the dust
Or your peace of mind they rob,"
Says the Reverend William Schwabb.
[Jack:]
Here's a tract!
[Edith:]
Read the tract!
[Jack:]
Just unpack'd!
[Edith:]
Just unpack'd!
[Jack:]
That the pious should desire
To be ever looking higher--
It's a fact!
[Edith:]
Not a fact!
[Jack:]
See the tract!
[Both (Jack's words):]
And in future I shall act...
(Edith's words) You must never dare to act...
(Jack's words) And in future I shall act
upon the tract.