Song of the Girls and the Tattlers
The Girls:
Ladies, as ye may perceive, fair and happy girls are we; as in Carnival is wont, we go scattering delight. These Tattlers and all envious folk hate the pleasures of another; and the Tattlers seek revenge by evil speaking of all others. How unlucky then are we! For we are the Tattlers' prey, and not only in the summer, but through all the year they chatter! But from those who act the worst ever will ye hear worst speech.
The Tattlers (Cicadas):
Ladies, ever that we do which is in our nature; but the fault is often yours when you greet it with a laugh. Ah! how much you'd like to do things, and know how to hide them safely! Know that whoso acts with swiftness may escape the tattling peril. What's the use of killing others only for the labour of it? Put away this idle tattle; do it, do it while you may.
The Girls reply:
What then is our beauty's value? When 'tis gone, its worth is little. Long live love and long live courtesy; death to envy and the Tattlers; say then, ye who would speak evil, we will do it and ye shall say it.
Ladies, as ye may perceive, fair and happy girls are we; as in Carnival is wont, we go scattering delight. These Tattlers and all envious folk hate the pleasures of another; and the Tattlers seek revenge by evil speaking of all others. How unlucky then are we! For we are the Tattlers' prey, and not only in the summer, but through all the year they chatter! But from those who act the worst ever will ye hear worst speech.
The Tattlers (Cicadas):
Ladies, ever that we do which is in our nature; but the fault is often yours when you greet it with a laugh. Ah! how much you'd like to do things, and know how to hide them safely! Know that whoso acts with swiftness may escape the tattling peril. What's the use of killing others only for the labour of it? Put away this idle tattle; do it, do it while you may.
The Girls reply:
What then is our beauty's value? When 'tis gone, its worth is little. Long live love and long live courtesy; death to envy and the Tattlers; say then, ye who would speak evil, we will do it and ye shall say it.
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