GER. Ah, but that is a quibble. You know that in our world that is only equal to about eighteen...
HAGEN. I have read up the law, but I haven't found any provision for reducing Nibelung ages to your scale.
GER. But you can't deny...
HAGEN. I wouldn't need to deny. The story's absurd on the face of it. You know perfectly well that there are no such things as Nibelungs! [GERALD gasps.] And besides, you're a poet, and everybody knows you're crazy. Fancy what the newspaper reporters would do with such a yarn! [Cheerfully.] Come, old man, forget about it, and let's be friends. You'll have a lot more fun watching my career. And besides, what do you want? I've come back, and I'm ready to follow your advice.
GER. How do you mean?
HAGEN. You told me to stay in school until I'd got my bearings in the world. And then I was to have a career. Well, I've got my education for myself... and now I'm ready for the career. [After a pause.] Listen, Gerald. I said I'd be a self-made man. I said I'd conquer the world for myself. But of late I've come to realize how far it is to the top, and I can't spare the time.
GER. I see.
HAGEN. And then... besides that... I've met a woman.
GER. [Startled.] Good heavens!
HAGEN. Yes. I'm in love.