Sir T. You think that will be best? Why do you wear Your costume still?
Europa. I am a woman such As Cressid was, an amateur of men; Never inconstant while her passion lasts, But not to be compelled by love or law. The name I hate most in the world is wife; And the professional drudgery of the blood Which marriage is, seems to me hell on earth.
Sir T. Not always hell. What do you know of marriage?
Europa. Better than that: killed in the Cuban war.
Sir T. Why do you wear your costume still?
Europa. Because The drapery becomes me; and I meant To change its folds for other clinging folds Before I dressed.
Europa. How could I tell you would be free to spend The night with me?
Sir T. Am I the kind of man You take me for?
Europa. Oh, have I overdone it? I thought you loved the pure Material truth. I will be difficult at once!
Europa. Why? What can you not forgive? I came; you found me sleeping, and were glad.
Sir T. The sweetest action may be spoiled by speech: A thing no woman ever understands.
Europa. What _have_ I said? Correct me, punish me! I spoke too soon; my mind is scarce awake.
Sir T. How brutal women are, how cynical! I've never known a tender-hearted woman.
Europa. Hard as a diamond am I; and my love A jewelled flame: high hearts are always hard. Souls lapped in cotton wool are not for me!
Sir T. Now comes the diatribe! No woman yet Could keep her temper past a word or two!
Europa. You struck the flint and you shall feel the fire. I find you as I find the rest of men, Obtuse, distrustful, flabby, impotent; Fit to beget a fool or two at home, And dribble out uncomfortable lives In parliaments and stalls and smoking-rooms. It's iron women love--Damascus blades, Not bludgeons of the theatre stuffed with rags.
Sir T. How often have you said that? Reel-and-rote, A parrot speech! So all viragoes scold Since Eve dared Adam. Come; a different tune.
Europa. What? _Are_ you strong, Sir Tristram? _Are_ you strong? Power in a man I worship: show me power.
Sir T. Go to your room and leave your costume there.
Europa. I know the way! This is a kind of strength; But, sir, I'm not defeated.
Europa. Not yet. When I return we shall resume the fight: Since you're so masterful, I must be won. [Goes out.]