Prince. In short, you were not happy; consequently, you had no occasion to torment yourself if you became unfaithful to the memory of the dead. As for me I had a brilliant name, a fortune, a position. At that time I was not ill and depressed as I am now. I was tolerable in my person.
Countess. Very handsome, indeed.
Prince. I passed for a sufficiently lively talker. I made court to you, if I remember, with—intelligence.
Countess. With much, much wit.
Prince. And you refused me!—Come, now, why?
Countess. You do not guess?
Prince. Not at all.
Countess (she takes his hand and looks him tenderly in the eyes). It is because I love dumb animals, my friend!
FOOTNOTES:
[10] Circe, according to Homer, was an enchantress who lived on the Island of Ææa surrounded by human beings whom she had transformed into wolves, lions, and swine.