Page:Selections from the writings of Kierkegaard.djvu/106

 104 University of Texas Bulletin

the only one who is not deceived by this truth. As to whether a despoiled woman is worth less than man â€” about that I find no information in my price list. I do not pick flowers already broken, I leave them to the married men to use for Shrove-tide decoration. Whether e. g. Edward wishes to consider the matter again, and again fall in love with Cordelia, '^^ or simply repeat the affair in his reflection â€” that is his own business. Why should I concern myself with other peoples' affairs! I explained to her at an earlier time what I thought of her; and, in truth, she convinced me, convinced me to my absolute satisfaction, that my gal- lantry was well applied.

Concedo. Concessi.-'^ If I should meet with another Cordelia, why then I shall enact a comedy "Ring number 2."^^ But you are unhappy lovers and have conspired to- gether, and are worse deceived than the girls, notwithstand- ing that you are richly endowed by nature. But decision â€” the decision of desire, is the most essential thing in life. Our young friend will always remain an onlooker. Victor is an unpractical enthusiast. Constantin has acquired his good sense at too great a cost; and the fashion dealer is a madman. Stuff and nonsense! With all four of you busy about one girl, nothing would come of it.

Let one have enthusiasm enough to idealize, taste enough to join in the clinking of glasses at the festive board of en- joyment, sense enough to break off â€” to break off absolutely, as does Death, madness enough to wish to enjoy all over again â€” if you have all that you will be the favorite of gods and girls.

But of what avail to speak here? I do not intend to make proselytes. Neither is this the place for that. To be sure I love wine, to be sure I love the abundance of a ban- quet â€” all that is good; but let a girl be my company, and

'iThe reference is to the "Diary of the Seducer" (in "Either â€” Or," part I). Edward is the scorned lover of Cordelia who is seduced by John.

521 concede. I have conceded.

'^Reference to a comedy by Farquhar, which enjoyed a moderate popularity in Copenhagen.