GILL: But a duke--and ugly! Father, this from you?
MYSELF: My duke is ugly, very, for good reason, As shall appear in due and
proper season!
GILL: I'm sure no one will want to read him then, For “heroes” all should
be most handsome men. So make him handsome, please, or he won't do.
MYSELF: By heaven, girl--no, plain heroes are too few!
GILL: Then ev'ry one will leave him on the shelf!
MYSELF: Why, then, I'll read the poor fellow myself.
GILL: I won't!
MYSELF: Then don't! Though, I might say, since you're set on it, child, My
duke was not so ugly when he smiled--
GILL: Then make him smile as often as you can.
MYSELF: I might do that, 't is none so bad a plan.
GILL: And the lady--she must be a lady fair.
MYSELF: My dear, she's beautiful beyond compare.