There on the border of a
superb canal, where a hundred frothy waves fell in cascades--seemingly
pushed by water nymphs. There, I tell you--reposing on a bed of
roses--
Urania (agitated)
What did you see?
Captain
I saw you, on a chair, floating over the waves. You resembled Venus. A
hundred Cupids pushed a shell, the winds jested about you--
Jenny
Oh, Heaven. What a lovely dream. (aside) He does this better than I
do.
Urania
Finish, finish, I beg you.
Captain
My soul was seized by astonishment.
Jenny (low)
That's not surprising.
Urania (dreamily)
And I was Venus, floating on this canal?
Captain
Yes, Madame, your very self. My mind was taken with the noble
spectacle. I went right up to you with no opposition--
Urania
Did I have a noble air, a divine bearing? Speak sincerely.
Captain
The most noble in the world. You seemed a goddess in the flesh.
Urania
And what was I wearing? The goddess clothes?
Captain
Madame, the goddess does not--
Urania
Ah, ah--
Captain
Unluckily, the goddess suddenly vanished from my sight.
Urania
And were we separated?
Captain
Then, I found myself in a grotto--which art had embellished more than
nature. There, in full repose, crowned by flowers, I perceived you
reclining on a couch of flowers.
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