The Harvesters (1770) - Page 19

Yes.

Will you be much happier,

When I spend my life doing nothing?

Yes.

For me it is quite the opposite:

Idleness would make all my days tedious.

Throughout the week

I give myself trouble;

I enjoy rest all the more for it;

When Sunday arrives,

A lively and frank gaiety

Makes me forget my troubles.

I put on my bodice, I lace myself up,

I adorn myself with cornflowers;

Dancing, I relax,

And I laugh the days after.

I maintain that fate did not make you born
To consume your days working like this.

Eh! well; and I tell you that it did,
I know it better than you, perhaps.
Goodbye, Sir.

Why this severity?

By what stubbornness do you wish to withdraw
From the offers my heart makes you?

Your heart?

Yes.

But I, I have no business with it.