"What?"
"I am your rival."
"Rival! how is that?"
"I love Blue Beard, and I am resolved at all hazards to go to her and to please her."
"Clasp hands, brother."
"A moment—I must say to you that when Polyphème Croustillac wishes to please, he pleases; when he pleases, one loves him; and when one loves him, one loves him madly and unto death."
"Clasp hands, brother."
"I will not touch your hand until you tell me if you will accept me openly for your rival?"
"And if not?"
"If not, break my head; you will be right in so doing. We are alone; your servant will not betray you; but I will never renounce the hope, the certainty, of pleasing Blue Beard."