Guldstad monologue — Love's Comedy

[unmoved] Some hours ago 'twas true However. I have only quoted you;-- In these same words you challenged to the field The "caucus" with love's name upon your shield. Then rang repudiation fast and thick From all directions, as from you at present; Incredible, I know; who finds it pleasant To hear the name of death when he is sick? Look at the priest! A painter and composer Of taste and spirit when he wooed his bride;-- What wonder if the man became a proser When she was snugly settled by his side? To be his lady-love she was most fit; To be his wife, tho'--not a bit of it. And then the clerk, who once wrote clever numbers? No sooner was the gallant plighted, fixed, Than all his rhymes ran counter and got mixed; And now his Muse continuously slumbers, Lullabied by the law's eternal hum. Thus you see-- [Looks at SVANHILD. Are you cold?