[She bends over HYGD and kisses her; they laugh softly together. LEAR
parts the curtains of the door at the back, stands there a moment, then
goes away noiselessly.]
The lish baby otter
Is sleeky and streaming,
With catching bright fishes
Ere babies learn dreaming;
But no wet little otter
Is ever so warm
As the fleecy-wrapt baby
'Twixt me and my arm.
Sleep big mousie...
Hygd (suddenly irritable):
Be quiet ... I cannot bear it.
[She turns her head away from GONERIL and closes her eyes.]
[As GONERIL watches her in silence GORMFLAITH enters by the door beyond
the bed. She is young and tall and fresh-coloured; her red hair coils
and crisps close to her little head, showing its shape. Her movements
are soft and unhurried; her manner is quiet and ingratiating and a
little too agreeable; she speaks a little too gently.]
Goneril (meeting her near the door and speaking in a low voice):
Why did you leave the Queen? Where have you been?
Why have you so neglected this grave duty?
Gormflaith:
This is the instant of my duty, Princess:
From midnight until now was Merryn's watch.
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