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Act I.]
Love's Comedy.
291
Miss Jay [to the ladies].
His nature is romantic.
Mrs. Halm.
Yes, we know it.
Stiver.
Not now; it's ages since I turned a rhyme.
Falk.
Yes, varnish and romance go off with time.
But in the old days—?
Stiver.
Well, you see, 'twas when
I was in love.
Falk.
Is that time over, then?
Have you slept off the sweet intoxication?
Stiver.
I'm now engaged—I hold official station—
That's better than in love, I apprehend!
Falk.
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.