Page:Selections from the writings of Kierkegaard.djvu/104

 102 University of Texas Bulletin

state of bliss â€” no man, not even a god, were able to inspire fear in her; for is she not dressed in fashion?

Do you comprehend me now, do you comprehend why I call you fellow-conspirators, even though in a distant way? Do you now comprehend my conception of woman ? Every- thing in life is a matter of fashion, the fear of God is a matter of fashion, and so are love, and crinolines, and a ring through the nose. To the utmost of my ability will I there- fore come to the support of the exalted genius who wishes to laugh at the most ridiculous of all animals. If woman has reduced everything to a matter of fashion, then will I, with the help of fashion, prostitute her, as she deserves to be ; I have no peace, I the dressmaker, my soul rages when I think of my task â€” she will yet be made to wear a ring through her nose. Seek therefore no sweetheart, abandon love as you would the most dangerous neighborhood; for the one whom you love would also be made to go with a ring through her nose.

Thereupon John, called the Seducer, spoke as follows:

(The Speech of John the Seducer)

My dear boon companions, is Satan plaguing you? For, indeed, you speak like so many hired mourners, your eyes are red with tears and not with wine. You almost move me to tears also, for an unhappy lover does have a miserable time of it in life. Hinc illae lacrimae.^'^ I, however, am a happy lover, and my only wish is to remain so. Very pos- sibly, that is one of the concessions to woman which Victor is so afraid of. Why not? Let it be a concession! Loos- ening the lead foil of this bottle of champagne also is a con- cession ; letting its foaming contents flow into my glass also is a concession ; and so is raising it to my lipsâ€” now I drain it â€” concedo.*^ Now, however, it is empty, hence I need no more concessions. Just the same with girls. If some un-

<^ Therefore those tears.
 * I concede.