Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 1).pdf/339

Rh

His nature is romantic.

Yes, we know it.

Not now; it's ages since I turned a rhyme.

Yes, varnish and romance go off with time. But in the old days—?

Well, you see, 'twas when I was in love.

Is that time over, then? Have you slept off the sweet intoxication?

I'm now d—I hold official station— That's better than in love, I apprehend!

Quite so! You're in the right, my good old friend. The worst is past—vous voilà bien avancé— Promoted from mere lover to fiancé.