Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/204

 For when it comes, you see, 'tis grown The Present, and the Future's flown.

Why, yes, to that there's no reply; That logic one must needs accept. But—when then is the promise kept?

A Promise is a future-dated Pact, as I have already stated; 'Tis kept in Future.

That is clear. When will the Future, though, be here!

[Aside.]

You blessed Sexton!

[Aloud.]

Worthy friend, Must I the argument recall? The Future cannot come at all, Because its coming is its end.

Thank you.

In all conceptions lies Something that looks like artifice, But yet is quite direct and plain,— That is to say, for any brain Able to reckon up to ten. To make a promise means, at last, To break it, spite of best intent;