Phil. (rising). Impossible! For if the words I breathe
Were dashed with any mockery of love,
I should against my will, confess it now.
Mirza, I love you! These are idle words
When spoken in the unenchanted world,
But, spoken here, they bear significance
That rivals in its worth a life-long test!
Let us exchange some trinket which shall serve
As evidence of this our solemn troth.
Here is my pledge. (Giving a ring.)