“Well, because I can’t live without her. Because I want to prove my love for her. Because—”
“One reason at a time please,” said the Duke, holding up his hand. “You can’t live without her? Then I am to assume that you look forward to dying?”
“Rather.”
“You are truly happy in that prospect?”
“Yes. Rather.”
“Now, suppose I showed you two pieces of equally fine amber—a big one and a little one. Which of these would you rather possess?”
“The big one, I suppose.”
“And this because it is better to have more than to have less of a good thing?”
“Just so.”
“Do you consider happiness a good thing or a bad one?”