[Laughing.] Better and better! I suppose then that a previous medical examination of the lady would be necessary.
LOTH
[Quite seriously.] You must remember that I make demands upon myself too.
HOFFMANN
[More and more amused.] I know, I know! I remember your going through all the literature of love once in order to determine quite conscientiously whether that which you felt at that time for a certain lady was really the tender passion. So, let's hear a few more of your demands.
LOTH
My wife, for instance, would have to practice renunciation.
HELEN
If … if … Ah, I don't know whether it's right to … but I merely wanted to say that women, as a rule, are accustomed to renounce.