Which used to stay hidden;

A shapely leg,

A striking stride,

Original: "démarche assassine." In 18th-century French, this phrase describes a walk so attractive or stylish that it is "deadly" to the observer's heart.

Catch the eyes

Much better. The End.

And then love,

In a short coat,

The "short habit" refers to male fashion of the period. Compared to bulky women's skirts, men's breeches and coats allowed for more visible movement and "liberty."

Sets beauty

More at liberty.

A shapely leg, etc.

Everything in you is made only to please;

But this, my dear,

Makes you enticing,

Ravishing:

Fear nothing,

No, my dear:

On the contrary,

A beauty dressed as a man is very fine,

Yes, very fine.

There is no girl, etc.

S C E N E II.

JULIEN, BASTIENNE, NICOLE.

NICOLE, running in.

Ah! my children, while you are at peace, there is plenty of other news!

B A S T I E N N E.

Well! what is it, my aunt?

N I C O L E.

Your uncle... Ah!... I am all out of breath. Your uncle... Nicole’s breathlessness is a classic comedic device. It builds suspense before the delivery of a plot-turning revelation.

J U L I E N.

Does he know that I am here?

Vocabulary: Comic Opera, Julien, Bastienne, Nicole, scene, striking/deadly, breathless, does he know