14    THE BELLES OF CANTERBURY



I know. Itfs something about singing through your
nose the service divine.
  FIRST NUN. The seemly way to sing.
  SscoxD u.N. The seemily way.
  GRISELDA. Hlcre, Eglantine, you can't take up all
                   day.
  PRIOREss. I'd prove my vocal method without
                   peer.
  HIIPPOLYTA. Perhaps she could.
  WIFE. Suppose she does it here!
  JuN-IOR. Never mind, Miss Eglaiitine. Did they
call you Sister in those days -Never mind. I'll play
your accompaniment on the piano.
  ALL. Piano
  JuNIoR. Why, yes, Oh I never thought that you
wouldn't know that. There's a piano.
(The following passage can be omitted if a piano is
                not convenient.)
(They go over looking curiously at it. The WIFE
    touches the keys by accident. ALL jump at the
    sound.)
  JUNIOR. What do you want to sing
  PRIOREss. (slightly affected)
      Alas, I cannot sing without my notes.
  WIFE. Surely that is a line each reader quotes!
  JUNIOR. Do you know the Yama-Yama Girl
(substitute any popular song)
          (Tke PRIORESS looks blank.)
  JUNIoR. Nor even the Merry Widow
  PRIORESS. Why 'tis a thing that Chaucer never
                   had,
             In his day seemly widows all were sad.
             You speak of folk of whom I have no
                   ken.
  FIRST NUN. One song, Madame, you know.