A purer heart, a gentler maidenhood,
Will set him dreaming as he dreamt before
Until the time for waking comes again;
And so the round of love runs through our lives!
Sel. But these are earthly maidens, Ethais—
My love is purer than a mortal’s love.
Eth. Thine is no mortal love if it be pure.
Sel. (horrified). Then, mortal Ethais, what love is thine?
Eth. (taken aback). I spake of women—men are otherwise.
Sel. Man’s love is pure, invariably?