Jenny Well said. What's the use, in the spring of youth, to wish to escape the yoke of marriage, and to leave the number of the living? There were husbands long before convents, and I hold the role of spouse is the most ancient, and the most currently fashionable and used--and the most to be followed in all methods. That's what I say!
Albert You both speak in the same spirit--and my views conform to yours. I intend to marry. Rich as I am--they're always proposing a suitable and advantageous match for me--but I always reply that another love holds me, and that my heart prepossessed by your rare beauty sighs for you alone, and that on your side, you adore only me.
Albert Yes, sweety, I have declared the love which possesses me for you.
Arabella What did you say, if you please?
Albert That, at the bottom of your heart, you nourish a sincere passion for me.
Albert Beautiful Arabella, one cannot be happy and remain silent.
Arabella You ought not to make such an avowal, and so loud.
Arabella (waspishly) Because nothing is more false, and one cannot lie with more impudence.
Arabella (sweetly) No, but in recompense, I hate you unto death.
Arabella Who knows why? One loves without reason, and without reason, one hates.
Jenny If the admission is not tender, at least it is sincere.
Albert After what I have done, basilisk, to please you!
Jenny Don't get carried away! Observe tranquilly if love has made you a charming object. Your features are worn away--hers are loveable and fresh. She has a well made wit and you a crabbed temper. She's not sixteen, and you are very old. She bears herself well, and you walk with a cane. She has all her teeth, which makes her pretty, and you have only one. Still, she excites you--and you ought to be carried off at the first cough to whatever misfortune down there would please you.
Albert I've taken useless trouble to please her. I will therefore merit her hate, by God. And to secure her dangerous charms, I am going to lead her to a place far from fops, where by her arrogance, she will have leisure to be penitent. Come quickly, let's go.
Albert You will know soon enough. March on--no talking. (perceiving Worthy, who has just entered) What an irritating turn of events at this time. To the devil with him and his stupid face.