VALERE
I'll try my best, that you may well believe.
When we're forgotten by a woman's heart,
Our pride is challenged; we, too, must forget;
Or if we cannot, must at least pretend to.
No other way can man such baseness prove,
As be a lover scorned, and still in love.
MARIANE
In faith, a high and noble sentiment.
VALERE
Yes; and it's one that all men must approve.
What! Would you have me keep my love alive,
And see you fly into another's arms
Before my very eyes; and never offer
To someone else the heart that you had scorned?
MARIANE
Oh, no, indeed! For my part, I could wish
That it were done already.
VALERE
What! You wish it?
MARIANE
Yes.
VALERE
This is insult heaped on injury;
I'll go at once and do as you desire.
(He takes a step or two as if to go away.)
MARIANE
Oh, very well then.
VALERE (turning back)
But remember this.
'Twas you that drove me to this desperate pass.
MARIANE
Of course.
VALERE (turning back again)
And in the plan that I have formed
I only follow your example.
MARIANE
Yes.
VALERE (at the door)
Enough; you shall be punctually obeyed.
MARIANE
So much the better.
VALERE (coming back again)
This is once for all.
MARIANE
So be it, then.
VALERE (He goes toward the door, but just as he reaches it, turns
around)
Eh?
MARIANE
What?
VALERE
You didn't call me?
MARIANE
I? You are dreaming.
VALERE
Very well, I'm gone. Madam, farewell.
(He walks slowly away.
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