enough. That is to say,
I for my part do not understand it; for to me a woman has sufficient
intrinsic value. I assure every woman of this, it is the truth; and at
the same time it is certain that I am the only one who is not deceived
by this truth. As to whether a despoiled woman is worth less than man -
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 - 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 gallantry was well applied.
I concede, I have conceded. If I should meet with another Cordelia, why
then I shall enact a comedy "Ring number 2." (A comedy which employed a
moderate popularity in Copenhagen) But you are unhappy lovers and have
conspired together and are worse deceived than the girls,
notwithstanding that you are richly endowed by nature. But decisiveness
- the decisiveness of desire - is the most essential thing in life.
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