Part 4 (1/2)
Worthy I am truly annoyed that, on account of me, your daughter has received such unworthy treatment.
Albert What do you mean, my daughter?
Worthy Is she your wife then?
Albert She soon will be.
Worthy My soul is ravished. You couldn't form a better plan. And you do well to get that viper in hand. All husbands ought to do as you do. Women today are such coquettes.
Albert I intend to rule the roost, and not follow the manners of these times.
Scratch Oh, may you do better! I am so crazy about women and I am delighted when good souls make use of a little authority from time to time.
Albert (aside) This boy pleases me; he speaks sensibly.
Worthy As for me, I see nothing blamable. For a man, without ever being bothered by suspicions, to be lulled by the promise of a woman, to count tranquilly on her frail virtue--believing that G.o.d has made a woman faithful--for him alone--is to be a fool. It's necessary to be watchful at all times. When she scolds, cry louder still--and despite all the precautions which love causes a man to take--the more refined he is--the bigger the dupe.
Albert We are a little devious about these matters--which could easily trap me.
Each day I invent some crafty way of defeating their trickery and finesse. My word, you'd be wasting your time. Gentlemen, the defenders of women, debonair husbands, soft courtiers, powdered blondes--and all those who are searching the town for a woman whose husband gives them easy access--tell everybody I'm a brute, a jealous husband. In the depth of my heart, I laugh at them.
Worthy Because you are jealous, does that mean you are prevented from having a tender and sensitive heart? Without being a little jealous one cannot be a lover. They say a jealous man who quarrels without cease is more a tyrant than a lover to a beautiful woman. Ceaselessly, agitated by fury or boredom, he takes pleasure in the malady of another. Insupportable to all, odious to himself, everybody to deceive him pretends to be extremely pleased, but wishes that it was permitted to smother him like a raging monster escaped from h.e.l.l.--That's the way one ordinarily speaks in the world. But, for me, I take the contrary position, and say that it's a gallant man who shows so much love through his jealous transports and sees himself come to life when yielding to his penchant. In life, one spices up love with a little jealousy.
Albert Decidedly, you charm me with your wit, sir. I wish it were all written down to explain to sots who blame my manner.
Scratch Let us go in, sir. There, to satisfy you, I will write it all down without charge.
Albert (stopping him) I am much obliged to you--I will remember it well. I believe you have nothing more to say to me. There's your road, sir, good day. I retire.
May heaven maintain you in these fine sentiments and not leave you in these parts for very long.
(Enter Jenny.)
Jenny Help, neighbors! What a terrible accident. What a sad adventure. Ah, heaven, is it possible? The poor Squire Albert--what will become of you? The blow is mortal. I cannot recall it.
Albert What's happened?
Jenny The most terrible disgrace.
Albert But still, it's better to know what has happened.
Jenny Arabella--
Worthy Well, Arabella--?
Jenny In this instant--quite suddenly--Arabella has gone mad.
Albert Arabella is crazy?
Worthy Ah, heaven.
Albert This is unbelievable.
Jenny Ah, sir, this misfortune is only too true. When, by your express order, she had vowed to knit, this cursed locksmith came to irritate us. So she vowed that these bars and grills to which the locksmith condemns the window-- At the same time, I swear her eyes rolled and her suddenly stricken spirit evaporated. She talks extravagantly. She runs, she creeps, she sings, she dances--she dresses, then she changes her clothes suddenly--with whatever happens to be at hand, just now, from your wardrobe, she took your large robe and skull-cap. Then, taking her guitar, she sings different tunes in strange jargon. In fact, she's a hundred times worse than I was able to explain. One can't help crying--and laughing, too.