FALK.
I'll right you in one sentence. Ever since
As plighted lover you were first installed,
You've felt yourself, if I may say so, galled—
STIVER.
And sometimes to the quick.
FALK.
You've had to wince
Beneath a crushing load of obligations
That you'd send packing, if good form permitted.
That's what's the matter.
STIVER.
Monstrous accusations!
My legal debts I've honestly acquitted;
But other bonds next month are falling due;
[To GULDSTAD.
When a man weds, you see, he gets a wife—
FALK [triumphant].
Now your youth's heaven once again is blue;
There rang an echo from your old song-life!
That's how it is: I read you thro' and thro';
Wings, wings were all you wanted,—and a knife!
STIVER.
A knife?
FALK.
Yes, Resolution's knife, to sever
Each captive bond, and set you free for ever,
To soar—
STIVER [angrily].
Nay, now you're insolent beyond
Endurance! Me to charge with violation
Of law,—me, me with plotting to abscond!
It's libellous, malicious defamation,
Insult and calumny—
FALK.
Are you insane?
What is all this about? Explain! Explain!
GULDSTAD [laughingly to STIVER].
Yes, clear your mind of all this balderdash!
What do you want?