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The Importance of Being Earnest - Act I

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•The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.	•The Project Gutenberg eBook, La importancia de llamarse Ernesto, de Oscar Wilde.
•Publisher's preface.	•Prólogo del editor.
•This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. •You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org.	•Este eBook es para el uso de cualquiera en cualquier lugar sin coste y casi sin restricciones de ningún tipo. •Puede copiarlo, regalarlo o reutilizarlo bajo las condiciones de Project Gutenberg License incluida en este libro o en línea en www.gutenbeg.org.
•Title: The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.	•Título: La importancia de llamarse Ernesto. Una comedia frívola para gente seria.
•Author: Oscar Wilde.	•Autor: Oscar Wilde.
•Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].	•Fecha de realización: 29 de agosto de 2006 [eBook #844].
•Language: English.	•Lenguaje: Inglés.
•Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.	•Transcrita de la edición de 1915 de Methuen & Co. Ltd. por David Prince, email ccx074@pglaf.org.
•Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.	•Fuente: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.
•The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).	•La importancia de llamarse Ernesto. Una comedia frívola para gente seria, por Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
•THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY.	•Los personajes en la obra.
•John Worthing, JP.	•John Worthing, JP.
•Algernon Moncrieff.	•Algernon Moncrieff.
•Rev. •Canon Chasuble, DD.	•Reverendo •Canon Chasuble, DD.
•Merriman, Butler.	•Merriman, Mayordomo.
•Lane, Manservant.	•Lane, Ayuda de cámara.
•Lady Bracknell.	•Lady Bracknell.
•Hon. •Gwendolen Fairfax.	•Honorable •Gwendolen Fairfax.
•Cecily Cardew.	•Cecily Cardew.
•Miss Prism, Governess.	•Miss Prism, Institutriz.
•THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.	•Las escenas de la obra.
•ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W. ACT II. •The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.	•ACTO I. Apartamento de Algernon Moncrieff en Half-Moon Street, W. ACTO II. •El jardín en la casa de campo, Woolton.
•ACT III. •Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.	•ACTO III. •Salón en la casa solariega, Woolton
•TIME: The Present.	•Tiempo: El presente.
•LONDON: ST. JAMES’S THEATRE Lessee and Manager: Mr. George Alexander.	•Londres: Teatro St. James. Arrendatario y gerente: Mr. George Alexander.
•February 14th, 1895.	•14 de febrero de 1895.
•* * * * * John Worthing, JP: Mr. George Alexander.	•* * * * * John Worthing, JP: George Alexander.
•Algernon Moncrieff: Mr. Allen Aynesworth.	•Algernon Moncrieff: Mr. Allen Aynesworth.
•Rev. •Canon Chasuble, DD: Mr. HH Vincent.	•Reverendo •Canon Chasuble, DD: Mr. HH Vincent.
•Merriman: Mr. Frank Dyall.	•Merriman: Mr. Frank Dyall.
•Lane: Mr. F. Kinsey Peile.	•Lane: Mr. F. Kinsey Peile.
•Lady Bracknell: Miss Rose Leclercq.	•Lady Bracknell: Miss Rose Leclercq.
•Hon. •Gwendolen Fairfax: Miss Irene Vanbrugh.	•Honorable •Gwendolen Fairfax: Miss Irene Vanbrugh.
•Cecily Cardew: Miss Evelyn Millard.	•Cecily Cardew: Miss Evelyn Millard.
•Miss Prism: Mrs. George Canninge.	•Miss Prism: Mrs. George Canninge.
•FIRST ACT.	•ACTO PRIMERO.
•SCENE: Morning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street. •The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. •The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room.	•ESCENA: Salita en el apartamento de Algernon en Half-Moon Street. •La habitación está lujosa y artísticamente amueblada. •El sonido de un piano se oye en la habitación de al lado.
•[Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters].	•[Lane está preparando en la mesa el té de la tarde y, una vez que ha cesado la música, entra Algernon].
•Algernon. •Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?	•Algernon. •¿Has oído lo que estaba tocando, Lane?
•Lane. •I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir.	•Lane. •No consideré educado escuchar, señor.
•Algernon. •I’m sorry for that, for your sake. •I don’t play accurately—any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression. •As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. •I keep science for Life.	•Algernon. •Lo siento por usted. •No toco correctamente —cualquiera puede tocar correctamente— pero toco con maravillosa expresión. •En lo que concierne al piano, el sentimiento es mi fuerte. •Conservo la ciencia para la vida.
•Lane. •Yes, sir.	•Lane. •Sí, señor.
•Algernon. •And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?	•Algernon. •Y, hablando de la ciencia de la vida, ¿ha hecho cortar los sandwiches de pepino para Lady Bracknell?
•Lane. •Yes, sir. •[Hands them on a salver].	•Lane. •Sí, señor. •[Los presenta en una bandeja].
•Algernon. •[Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on the sofa]. •Oh! •. •. •. •by the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed.	•Algernon. •[Los mira, coge dos, y se sienta en el sofá]. •¡Oh! •. •. •. •a propósito, Lane, he visto en su libro que el jueves por la noche, cuando Lord Shoreman y Mr. Worthing estaban cenando conmigo, se anotaron y fueron consumidas ocho botellas de champán.
•Lane. •Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint.	•Lane. •Sí, señor; ocho botellas y una pinta.
•Algernon. •Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne? •I ask merely for information.	•Algernon. •¿Por qué es que en un establecimiento de soltero invariablemente los sirvientes se beben el champán? •Lo pregunto simplemente como información.
•Lane. •I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir. •I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand.	•Lane. •Yo lo atribuyo, señor, a la superior calidad del vino. •He observado, con frecuencia, que en las casas de casados el champán es raramente de una marca de primera categoría.
•Algernon. •Good heavens! •Is marriage so demoralising as that?	•Algernon. •¡Santo cielo! •¿El matrimonio es tan desmoralizador?
•Lane. •I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. •I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. •I have only been married once. •That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person.	•Lane. •Yo creo que es un estado muy agradable, señor. •He tenido de él muy poca experiencia personal hasta el presente. •Solo estuve casado una vez. •Fue como consecuencia de un malentendido entre una joven y yo.
•Algernon. •[Languidly]. •I don’t know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane. •Lane. •No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. •I never think of it myself.	•Algernon. •[Lánguidamente]. •No creo que esté muy interesado en tu vida familiar, Lane. •Lane. •No, señor, no es un tema muy interesante. •Nunca pienso en ello.
•Algernon. •Very natural, I am sure. •That will do, Lane, thank you.	•Algernon. •Muy natural, estoy seguro. •Basta ya, Lane, gracias.
•Lane. •Thank you, sir. •[Lane goes out].	•Lane. •Gracias, señor. •[Lane se va]
•Algernon. •Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. •Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? •They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.	•Algernon. •La visión de Lane del matrimonio parece algo relajada. •En realidad, si las clases inferiores no nos dan buen ejemplo, ¿qué utilidad tienen en la tierra? •Parecen, como clase, no tener en absoluto sentido de la responsabilidad moral.
•[Enter Lane].	•[Entra Lane].
•Lane. •Mr. Ernest Worthing.	•Lane. •Sr. Ernest Worthing.
•[Enter Jack].	•[Entra Jack].
•[Lane goes out].	•[Lane sale].
•Algernon. •How are you, my dear Ernest? •What brings you up to town?	•Algernon. •¿Qué tal estás, mi querido Ernest? •¿Qué te trae a la ciudad?
•Jack. •Oh, pleasure, pleasure! •What else should bring one anywhere?	•Jack. •¡Oh, el placer, el placer! •¿Qué otra cosa podría llevarlo a uno a cualquier sitio?
•Eating as usual, I see, Algy!	•¡Comiendo como siempre, yo veo, Algy!
•Algernon. •[Stiffly]. •I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o’clock. •Where have you been since last Thursday?	•Algernon. •[Fríamente]. •Creo es habitual en la buena sociedad tomar algún refresco delicado a las cinco. •¿Dónde has estado desde el pasado jueves?
•Jack. •[Sitting down on the sofa]. •In the country.	•Jack. •[Sentándose en el sofá]. •En el campo.
•Algernon. •What on earth do you do there?	•Algernon. •¿Qué diablos puedes hacer allí?
•Jack. •[Pulling off his gloves]. •When one is in town one amuses oneself. •When one is in the country one amuses other people. •It is excessively boring.	•Jack. •[Quitándose sus guantes]. •Cuando se está en la ciudad uno se divierte por su cuenta. •Cuando se está en el campo uno divierte a otras personas. •Es excesivamente aburrido.
•Algernon. •And who are the people you amuse?	•Algernon. •¿Y qué gente es la que diviertes?
•Jack. •[Airily]. •Oh, neighbours, neighbours.	•Jack. •[Despreocupadamente]. •Oh, los vecinos, los vecinos.
•Algernon. •Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire?	•Algernon. •¿Tienes buenos vecinos en tu rincón de Shropshire?
•Jack. •Perfectly horrid! •Never speak to one of them.	•Jack. •¡Perfectamente horribles! •Nunca hables a uno de ellos.
•Algernon. •How immensely you must amuse them! •[Goes over and takes sandwich]. •By the way, Shropshire is your county, is it not?	•Algernon. •¡Cuán inmensamente los diviertes! •[Se levanta y coge otro sandwich]. •A propósito, tu casa está en Shropshire, ¿verdad?
•Jack. •Eh? •Shropshire? •Yes, of course. •Hallo! •Why all these cups? •Why cucumber sandwiches? •Why such reckless extravagance in one so young? •Who is coming to tea?	•Jack. •¿Eh? •¿Shropshire? •Sí, por supuesto. •¡Eh! •¿Por qué todas esas tazas? •¿Por qué sandwiches de pepino? •¿Por qué tal extravagancia imprudente en alguien tan jóven? •¿Quién viene a tomar el té?
•Algernon. •Oh! •merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen.	•Algernon. •¡Oh! •Simplemente la tía Augusta y Gwendolen.
•Jack. •How perfectly delightful!	•Jack. •¡Cuán perfectamente encantador!
•Algernon. •Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won’t quite approve of your being here.	•Algernon. •Sí, eso está todo muy bien;pero me temo que tía Augusta no apruebe demasiado tu presencia.
•Jack. •May I ask why?	•Jack. •¿Puedo preguntar por qué?
•Algernon. •My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. •It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.	•Algernon. •Mi querido compañero, el modo con que coqueteas con Gwendolen es absolutamente vergonzoso. •Es casi tan malo como la forma en que Gwendolen flirtea contigo.
•Jack. •I am in love with Gwendolen. •I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.	•Jack. •Estoy enamorado de Gewndolen. •He venido a la ciudad expresamente para declararme a ella.
•Algernon. •I thought you had come up for pleasure? •. •. •. •I call that business.	•Algernon. •¡Pensé que habías venido a divertirte! •. •. •. •A eso le llamo negocios.
•Jack. •How utterly unromantic you are!	•Jack. •¡Qué poco romántico eres!
•Algernon. •I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing. •It is very romantic to be in love. •But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. •Why, one may be accepted. •One usually is, I believe. •Then the excitement is all over. •The very essence of romance is uncertainty. •If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.	•Algernon. •Realmente no veo nada romántico en declararse. •Es muy romántico estar enamorado. •Pero no hay nada romántico en una proposición definitiva. •Vaya, uno puede ser aceptado. •Normalmente lo es, creo yo. •Entonces se acabó todo el entusiasmo. •La pura esencia del romance es la incertidumbre. •Si alguna vez me caso, definitivamente trataré de olvidar el hecho.
•Jack. •I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. •The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted.	•Jack. •No me cabe duda de ello, querido Algy. •El Tribunal de Divorcios fue inventado especialmente para personas cuyas memorias están constituidas de forma tan curiosa.
•Algernon. •Oh! •there is no use speculating on that subject. •Divorces are made in Heaven—[Jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich. •Algernon at once interferes]. •Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches. •They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta. •[Takes one and eats it].	•Algernon. •¡Oh! •no sirve de nada especular a cerca de este tema. •Los divorcios están hechos en el cielo – [Jack estira la mano para coger un sandwich. •Algernon enseguida se lo impide]. •Por favor, no toques los sandwiches de pepino. •Se han encargado especialmente para tía Augusta. •[Coge uno y lo come].
•Jack. •Well, you have been eating them all the time.	•Jack. •Bueno, tú los has estado comiendo todo el tiempo.
•Algernon. •That is quite a different matter. •She is my aunt. •[Takes plate from below]. •Have some bread and butter. •The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. •Gwendolen is devoted to bread and butter.	•Algernon. •Ese es un tema completamente diferente. •Es mi tía. •[Toma un plato de debajo]. •Toma pan y mantequilla. •El pan con mantequilla es para Gwendolen. •A Gwendolen le encanta el pan con mantequilla.
•Jack. •[Advancing to table and helping himself]. •And very good bread and butter it is too.	•Jack. •[Avanzando hacia la mesa y sirviéndose]. •Y está muy bueno el pan con mantequilla también.
•Algernon. •Well, my dear fellow, you need not eat as if you were going to eat it all. •You behave as if you were married to her already. •You are not married to her already, and I don’t think you ever will be.	•Algernon. •Bueno, mi querido compañero, no necesitas comer como si lo fueras a comer todo. •Te comportas como si ya estuvieras casado con ella. •No estás casado con ella todavía y no creo que lo vayas a estar nunca.
•Jack. •Why on earth do you say that?	•Jack. •¿Por qué demonios dices eso?
•Algernon. •Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with. •Girls don’t think it right.	•Algernon. •Bien, en primer lugar las muchachas nunca se casan con el hombre con quien flirtean. •Las muchachas no lo creen apropiado.
•Jack. •Oh, that is nonsense!	•Jack. •¡Oh, eso es una tontería!
•Algernon. •It isn’t. •It is a great truth. •It accounts for the extraordinary number of bachelors that one sees all over the place. •In the second place, I don’t give my consent.	•Algernon. •No lo es. •es una gran verdad. •Esto explica el número extraordinario de solteros que uno ve por todas partes. •En segundo lugar, no doy mi consentimiento.
•Jack. •Your consent!	•Jack. •¡Tu consentimiento!
•Algernon. •My dear fellow, Gwendolen is my first cousin. •And before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole question of Cecily. •[Rings bell].	•Algernon. •Mi querido compañero, Gwendolen es prima hermana mía. •Y antes de que te permita casarte con ella, tendrás que aclarar la todo lo relacionado con Cecily. •[Suena la campanilla]
•Jack. •Cecily! •What on earth do you mean? •What do you mean, Algy, by Cecily! •I don’t know any one of the name of Cecily.	•Jack. •¡Cecily! •¿Qué quieres decir? •¿A quién te refieres con Cecily, Algy? •No conozco a nadie con el nombre de Cecily.
•[Enter Lane].	•[Entra Lane].
•Algernon. •Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the smoking-room the last time he dined here.	•Algernon. •Tráeme esa pitillera que Mr. Worthing dejó en la sala de fumadores la última vez que cenó aquí.
•Lane. •Yes, sir. •[Lane goes out].	•Lane. •Sí, señor. •[Lane sale].
•Jack. •Do you mean to say you have had my cigarette case all this time? •I wish to goodness you had let me know. •I have been writing frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it. •I was very nearly offering a large reward.	•Jack. •¿Quieres decir que has tenido mi paquete de cigarrillos todo este tiempo? •Hubiera deseado que por gentileza me lo hubieras hecho saber. •He estado escribiendo desesperado cartas a Scotland Yard sobre ello. •Estaba cerca de ofrecer una gran recompensa.
•Algernon. •Well, I wish you would offer one. •I happen to be more than usually hard up.	•Algernon. •Bueno, desearía que me ofrecieras una. •Resulta que estoy más escaso de lo habitual.
•Jack. •There is no good offering a large reward now that the thing is found.	•Jack. •No está bien ofrecer una gran recompensa ahora que el objeto se ha encontrado.
•[Enter Lane with the cigarette case on a salver. •Algernon takes it at once. •Lane goes out].	•[Entra Lane con la pitillera en una bandeja]. •Algernon la coge de inmediato. •[Lane se va].
•Algernon. •I think that is rather mean of you, Ernest, I must say. •[Opens case and examines it]. •However, it makes no matter, for, now that I look at the inscription inside, I find that the thing isn’t yours after all.	•Algernon. •Debo decir que creo que es bastante tacaño de tu parte, Ernest. •[Abre la pitillera y la examina]. •Sin embargo, no importa, porque, ahora que miro la inscripción del interior, descubro que no es tuya después de todo.
•Jack. •Of course it’s mine. •[Moving to him.] •You have seen me with it a hundred times, and you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside. •It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case.	•Jack. •Por supuesto que es mia. •[Acercándose a él.] •Me la has visto cientos de veces y no tienes ningún derecho a leer lo que está escrito en el interior. •Es muy poco caballeroso leer una pitillera privada.
•Algernon. •Oh! •it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn’t. •More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.	•Algernon. •¡Oh! •es absurdo tener una regla dura e inalterable sobre lo que se debe leer y lo que no se debe leer. •Más de la mitad de la cultura moderna depende de lo que no se debe leer.
•Jack. •I am quite aware of the fact, and I don’t propose to discuss modern culture. •It isn’t the sort of thing one should talk of in private. •I simply want my cigarette case back.	•Jack. •Soy muy consciente del hecho, y no me propongo discutir sobre cultura moderna. •No es el tipo de cosas de las que se debería hablar en privado. •Simplemente quiero recuperar mi pitillera.
•Algernon. •Yes; but this isn’t your cigarette case. •This cigarette case is a present from some one of the name of Cecily, and you said you didn’t know any one of that name.	•Algernon. •Sí; pero esta no es tu pitillera. •Esta pitillera es un regalo de alguien de nombre Cecily, y dijiste que no conocías a nadie con ese nombre.
•Jack. •Well, if you want to know, Cecily happens to be my aunt.	•Jack. •Bueno, si quieres saberlo, Cecily es mi tía.
•Algernon. •Your aunt!	•Algernon. •¡Tu tía!
•Jack. •Yes. •Charming old lady she is, too. •Lives at Tunbridge Wells. •Just give it back to me, Algy.	•Jack. •Sí. •Y también es una encantadora anciana. •Vive en Tunbridge Wells. •Devuélvemela, Algy.
•Algernon. •[Retreating to back of sofa.] •But why does she call herself little Cecily if she is your aunt and lives at Tunbridge Wells? •[Reading]. •‘From little Cecily with her fondest love.’ Jack. •[Moving to sofa and kneeling upon it]. •My dear fellow, what on earth is there in that? •Some aunts are tall, some aunts are not tall. •That is a matter that surely an aunt may be allowed to decide for herself. •You seem to think that every aunt should be exactly like your aunt! •That is absurd! •For Heaven’s sake give me back my cigarette case. •[Follows Algernon round the room].	•Algernon. •[Retirándose detrás del sofá.] •Pero ¿por qué se llama a sí misma pequeña Cecily si es tu tía y vive en Tunbridge Wells? •[Leyendo]. •'De la pequeña Cecily con su más afectuoso amor'. Jack. •[Pasando al sofá y arrodillandose sobre él]. •Mi querido amigo, ¿qué de malo hay en eso? •Algunas tías son altas, otras tías no son altas. •Ese es un asunto que seguramente una tía puede decidir por sí misma. •¡Parece que piensas que todas las tías deberían ser exactamente como tu tía! •¡Eso es absurdo! •Por el amor de Dios, devuélveme mi pitillera. •[Persigue a Algernon por la habitación].
•Algernon. •Yes. •But why does your aunt call you her uncle? •‘From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack.’ There is no objection, I admit, to an aunt being a small aunt, but why an aunt, no matter what her size may be, should call her own nephew her uncle, I can’t quite make out. •Besides, your name isn’t Jack at all; it is Ernest.	•Algernon. •Sí. •¿Pero por qué tu tía te llama su tío? •'De la pequeña Cecily, con su amor más cariñoso a su querido Tío Jack'. No hay ninguna objeción, admito, a una tía ser una tía pequeña, pero por qué una tía, no importa de que tamaño pueda ser, debería llamar a su propio sobrino su tío, no logro entender. •Además tu nombre no es Jack en absoluto; es Ernesto
•Jack. •It isn’t Ernest; it’s Jack.	•Jack. •No es Ernesto; es Jack.
•Algernon. •You have always told me it was Ernest. •I have introduced you to every one as Ernest. •You answer to the name of Ernest. •You look as if your name was Ernest. •You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. •It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn’t Ernest. •It’s on your cards. •Here is one of them. •[Taking it from case]. •‘Mr. •Ernest Worthing, B. •4, The Albany.’ I’ll keep this as a proof that your name is Ernest if ever you attempt to deny it to me, or to Gwendolen, or to any one else. •[Puts the card in his pocket].	•Algernon. •Tú, siempre me lo has dicho, eras Ernesto. •Te he presentado a todos como Ernesto. •Tú respondes al nombre de Ernesto. •Luces como si tu nombre fuera Ernesto. •Eres la persona de aspecto más sincero que jamás vi en mi vida. •Es completamente absurdo decir que tu nombre no es Ernesto. •Está en tus tarjetas. •Aquí está una de ellas. •[Tomándola de la cartera]. •'Mr. •Ernest Worthing, B. •4, The Albany '. Conservaré esto como prueba de que tu nombre es Ernesto si alguna vez intentas negármelo a mí, o a Gwendolin, o a cualquiera que sea. •[Mete la tarjeta en el bolsillo]
•Jack. •Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country, and the cigarette case was given to me in the country.	•Jack. •Bueno, mi nombre es Ernest en la ciudad y Jack en el campo, y la pitillera me la regalaron en el campo.
•Algernon. •Yes, but that does not account for the fact that your small Aunt Cecily, who lives at Tunbridge Wells, calls you her dear uncle. •Come, old boy, you had much better have the thing out at once.	•Algernon. •Sí, pero eso no explica el hecho de que tu pequeña tía Cecily, que vive en Tunbridge Wells, te llame su querido tío. •Venga, amigo mío, harías mucho mejor en sacar la cosa de una vez.
•Jack. •My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist. •It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist. •It produces a false impression.	•Jack. •Mi querido Algy, hablas exactamente como si fueras un dentista. •Es muy vulgar hablar como un dentista cuando no se es un dentista. •Produce una falsa impresión.
•Algernon. •Well, that is exactly what dentists always do. •Now, go on! •Tell me the whole thing. •I may mention that I have always suspected you of being a confirmed and secret Bunburyist; and I am quite sure of it now.	•Algernon. •Bueno, eso es exactamente lo que hacen siempre los dentistas. •Ahora, ¡venga! •Cuéntamelo todo. •Puedo mencionar que siempre he sospechado que eras un empedernido y secreto bunburyista; y ahora estoy casi seguro de ello.
•Jack. •Bunburyist? •What on earth do you mean by a Bunburyist?	•Jack. •¿Bunburyista? •¿Qué demonios quieres decir con bunburyista?
•Algernon. •I’ll reveal to you the meaning of that incomparable expression as soon as you are kind enough to inform me why you are Ernest in town and Jack in the country.	•Algernon. •Te revelaré el significado de esa expresión incomparable en cuanto seas lo suficientemente amable para informarme de por qué eres Ernest en la ciudad y Jack en el campo.
•Jack. •Well, produce my cigarette case first.	•Jack. •Bueno, primero dame mi pitillera.
•Algernon. •Here it is. •[Hands cigarette case]. •Now produce your explanation, and pray make it improbable. •[Sits on sofa].	•Algernon. •Aquí está. •[Acerca la pitillera]. •Ahora da tu explicación y reza para que sea inverosímil. •[Se sienta en el sofá].
•Jack. •My dear fellow, there is nothing improbable about my explanation at all. •In fact it’s perfectly ordinary. •Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss Cecily Cardew. •Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism.	•Jack. •Amigo mío, no hay absolutamente nada improbable en mi explicación. •De hecho es perfectamente normal. •El viejo Mr. Thomas Cardew que me adoptó cuando yo era un niño, me hizo en su testamento tutor de su nieta, Miss Cecily Cardew. •Cecily, que se dirige a mí como su tío motivada por el respeto que tú posiblemente no podrías apreciar, vive en mi residencia en el campo a cargo de su admirable institutriz, Miss Prism.
•Algernon. •Where is that place in the country, by the way?	•Algernon. •Por cierto, ¿dónde está esa residencia en el campo?
•Jack. •That is nothing to you, dear boy. •You are not going to be invited . •. •. •I may tell you candidly that the place is not in Shropshire.	•Jack. •No es asunto tuyo, querido. •No vas a ser invitado. •. •. •Puedo decirte con franqueza que la residencia no está en Shropshire.
•Algernon. •I suspected that, my dear fellow! •I have Bunburyed all over Shropshire on two separate occasions. •Now, go on. •Why are you Ernest in town and Jack in the country?	•Algernon. •¡Lo sospechaba, mi querido amigo! •Yo he "bunbureado" todo Shropshire en dos ocasiones diferentes. •Ahora, vamos. •¿Por qué eres Ernest en la ciudad y Jack en el campo?
•Jack. •My dear Algy, I don’t know whether you will be able to understand my real motives. •You are hardly serious enough. •When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects. •It’s one’s duty to do so. •And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce very much to either one’s health or one’s happiness, in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes. •That, my dear Algy, is the whole truth pure and simple.	•Jack. •Mi querido Algy, no sé si serás capaz o no de comprender mis verdaderos motivos. •Eres a penas lo suficiente serio. •Cuando uno es colocado en la posición de tutor, tiene que adoptar un tono moral muy alto en todos los aspectos. •Es deber de uno el hacerlo •Y como un elevado tono moral difícilmente puede decirse que conduzca de ninguna manera ni a la propia salud ni a la propia felicidad, para poder ir a la ciudad he pretendido siempre tener un hermano pequeño llamado Ernest, que vive en Albany, y está pasando apuros terribles. •Esta, mi amigo Algy, es toda la verdad pura y simple.
•Algernon. •The truth is rarely pure and never simple. •Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!	•Algernon. •La verdad es pocas veces pura y nunca simple. •La vida moderna sería muy tediosa si fuera una de las dos cosas, ¡y la literatura moderna completamente imposible!
•Jack. •That wouldn’t be at all a bad thing.	•Jack. •Eso no sería malo en absoluto.
•Algernon. •Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. •Don’t try it. •You should leave that to people who haven’t been at a University. •They do it so well in the daily papers. •What you really are is a Bunburyist. •I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. •You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.	•Algernon. •La crítica literaria no es tu fuerte, amigo mío. •No lo intentes. •Deberías dejarlo para personas que no fueron a la universidad. •Ellos lo hacen muy bien en los diarios. •Lo que eres realmente es un bumburista. •Tenía toda la razón al decir que eras un bumburista. •Eres uno de los más avanzados bumburistas que conozco.
•Jack. •What on earth do you mean?	•Jack. •¿Qué diablos quieres decir?
•Algernon. •You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. •I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. •Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. •If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.	•Algernon. •Has inventado un hermano más joven muy provechoso, llamado Ernest, con el fin de poder ser capaz de venir a la ciudad tan a menudo como quieras. •He inventado un inestimable inválido permanente llamado Bunbury, para que yo sea capaz de ir al campo siempre que lo escoja. •Bunbury es perfectamente inestimable. •Si no fuera por la extraordinaria mala salud de Bunbury, por ejemplo, esta noche no podría cenar contigo en Willis, porque he estado realmente comprometido con tía Augusta por más de una semana.
•Jack. •I haven’t asked you to dine with me anywhere to-night.	•Jack. •No te he pedido que cenes conmigo esta noche en ningún sitio.
•Algernon. •I know. •You are absurdly careless about sending out invitations. •It is very foolish of you. •Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations.	•Algernon. •Lo sé. •Eres absurdamente descuidado al enviar invitaciones. •Es muy estúpido por tu parte. •Nada irrita tanto a la gente como el no recibir invitaciones.
•Jack. •You had much better dine with your Aunt Augusta.	•Jack. •Harías mucho mejor cenando con tu tía Augusta.
•Algernon. •I haven’t the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind. •To begin with, I dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations. •In the second place, whenever I do dine there I am always treated as a member of the family, and sent down with either no woman at all, or two. •In the third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next to, to-night. •She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts with her own husband across the dinner-table. •That is not very pleasant. •Indeed, it is not even decent . •. •. •and that sort of thing is enormously on the increase. •The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous. •It looks so bad. •It is simply washing one’s clean linen in public. •Besides, now that I know you to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want to talk to you about Bunburying. •I want to tell you the rules.	•Algernon. •No tengo la mínima intención de hacer nada por el estilo. •Para empezar, cené allí el lunes y cenar una vez a la semana con sus propios parientes es suficiente. •En segundo lugar, cada vez que ceno allí, siempre me tratan como un miembro de la familia y me envían o sin ninguna mujer, o con dos. •En tercer lugar, sé perfectamente al lado de quién me colocará, esta noche. •Me colocará junto a Mary Farquhar, que siempre coquetea con su propio marido en la mesa. •Eso no es muy agradable. •De hecho, ni siquiera es decente. •. •. •y ese tipo de cosas está aumentando enormemente. •La cantidad de mujeres en Londres que coquetean con sus propios maridos es totalmente escandalosa. •Se ve muy mal. •Es simplemente lavar en público la ropa limpia. •Además, ahora que sé que eres un bunburista confirmado naturalmente quiero hablar contigo respecto al bunburismo. •Quiero decirte las reglas.
•Jack. •I’m not a Bunburyist at all. •If Gwendolen accepts me, I am going to kill my brother, indeed I think I’ll kill him in any case. •Cecily is a little too much interested in him. •It is rather a bore. •So I am going to get rid of Ernest. •And I strongly advise you to do the same with Mr. . •. •. •with your invalid friend who has the absurd name.	•Jack. •No soy un bunburista en absoluto. •Si Gwendolen me acepta, voy a matar a mi hermano, de verdad pienso que lo mataré en cualquier caso. •Cecily está un poco demasiado interesada en él. •Esto es bastante aburrido. •Así que voy a deshacerme de Ernesto. •Y te aconsejo que tú hagas lo mismo con ese señor. •. •. •con tu amigo inválido quien tiene el absurdo nombre.
•Algernon. •Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. •A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.	•Algernon. •Nada me inducirá a separarme de Bunbury y si tú alguna vez te casas lo cual me parece sumamente problemático, estarás muy contento de conocer a Bunbury. •Un hombre que se casa sin conocer a Bunbury tiene por ello un futuro muy aburrido.
•Jack. •That is nonsense. •If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen, and she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry, I certainly won’t want to know Bunbury.	•Jack. •Eso es un disparate. •Si me caso con una muchacha encantadora como Gwendolen y ella es la única muchacha que he visto en mi vida con quien me casaría, seguramente no querré conocer a Bunbury.
•Algernon. •Then your wife will. •You don’t seem to realise, that in married life three is company and two is none.	•Algernon. •Entonces querrá tu esposa. •No pareces comprender, que en la vida de casados tres es compañía y dos, ninguno.
•Jack. •[Sententiously.] •That, my dear young friend, is the theory that the corrupt French Drama has been propounding for the last fifty years.	•Jack. •[Sentenciosamente]. •Eso, mi joven amigo, es la teoría que el corrupto teatro francés ha estado propagando los últimos cincuenta años.
•Algernon. •Yes; and that the happy English home has proved in half the time.	•Algernon. •Sí; y que los felices hogares ingleses han comprobado en la mitad de ese tiempo.
•Jack. •For heaven’s sake, don’t try to be cynical. •It’s perfectly easy to be cynical.	•Jack. •Por amor de Dios, no trates de ser cínico. •Es totalmente fácil ser cínico.
•Algernon. •My dear fellow, it isn’t easy to be anything nowadays. •There’s such a lot of beastly competition about. •[The sound of an electric bell is heard]. •Ah! •that must be Aunt Augusta. •Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner. •Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so that you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine with you to-night at Willis’s?	•Algernon. •Mi querido amigo, hoy día no es fácil ser cualquier cosa. •Hay una gran competencia espantosa. •[Se escucha el sonido de un timbre]. •¡Ah! •esa debe ser tía Augusta. •Solo los familiares, o los acreedores, tocan siempre de esa forma wagneriana. •Ahora, si yo la quito de en medio por diez minutos, puedes tener las oportunidad de declararte a Gwendolen, ¿puedo cenar contigo esta noche en Willis?
•Jack. •I suppose so, if you want to.	•Jack. •Supongo, si tú quieres.
•Algernon. •Yes, but you must be serious about it. •I hate people who are not serious about meals. •It is so shallow of them.	•Algernon. •Sí, pero debes ser serio. •Odio a la gente que no es seria con las comidas. •Es tan superficial por su parte.
•[Enter Lane].	•[Entra Lane].
•Lane. •Lady Bracknell and Miss Fairfax.	•Lane. •Lady Bracknell y Miss Fairfax.
•[Algernon goes forward to meet them. •Enter Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen].	•[Algernon se adelanta para saludarlas] •[Entran Lady Bracknell y Gwendolen].
•Lady Bracknell. •Good afternoon, dear Algernon, I hope you are behaving very well.	•Lady Bracknell. •Buenas tardes, querido Algernon, espero que te estés portando muy bien.
•Algernon. •I’m feeling very well, Aunt Augusta.	•Algernon. •Me encuentro muy bien, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •That’s not quite the same thing. •In fact the two things rarely go together. •[Sees Jack and bows to him with icy coldness].	•Lady Bracknell. •No es exactamente lo mismo. •De hecho ambas cosas raramente van unidas. •[Ve a Jack y se inclina hacia él con la frialdad del hielo]
•Algernon. •[To Gwendolen]. •Dear me, you are smart!	•Algernon. •[A Gwendolen]. •¡Querida mía, estás elegante!
•Gwendolen. •I am always smart! •Am I not, Mr. Worthing?	•Gwendolen. •¡Siempre estoy elegante! •¿No es así, Mr. Worthing?
•Jack. •You’re quite perfect, Miss Fairfax.	•Jack. •Está completamente perfecta, Miss Fairfax.
•Gwendolen. •Oh! •I hope I am not that. •It would leave no room for developments, and I intend to develop in many directions. •[Gwendolen and Jack sit down together in the corner].	•Gwendolen. •¡Oh! •Espero no serlo. •No dejaría espacio para el desarrollo y pretendo desarrollarme en muchas direcciones. •[Gwendolen y Jack se sientan juntos en la esquina].
•Lady Bracknell. •I’m sorry if we are a little late, Algernon, but I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury. •I hadn’t been there since her poor husband’s death. •I never saw a woman so altered; she looks quite twenty years younger. •And now I’ll have a cup of tea, and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me.	•Lady Bracknell. •Lo siento si llegamos un poco tarde Algernon, pero me vi obligada a visitar a la querida Lady Harbury. •No había estado allí desde la muerte de su pobre esposo. •Nunca vi a una mujer tan cambiada; parece casi veinte años más joven. •Y ahora tomaré una taza de té y uno de esos sándwiches de pepino que me prometiste.
•Algernon. •Certainly, Aunt Augusta. •[Goes over to tea-table].	•Algernon. •Seguro, tía Augusta. •[Se dirige a la mesa de té]
•Lady Bracknell. •Won’t you come and sit here, Gwendolen?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿No quieres venir y sentarte aquí, Gwendolen?
•Gwendolen. •Thanks, mamma, I’m quite comfortable where I am.	•Gwendolen. •Gracias, mamá, estoy muy cómoda donde estoy.
•Algernon. •[Picking up empty plate in horror]. •Good heavens! •Lane! •Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? •I ordered them specially.	•Algernon. •[Recogiendo el plato vacío horrorizado]. •¡Cielos! •¡Lane! •¿Por qué no hay sandwiches de pepino? •Los encargué expresamente.
•Lane. •[Gravely]. •There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. •I went down twice.	•Lane. •[Seriamente]. •No había pepinos en el mercado esta mañana, señor. •Fui dos veces.
•Algernon. •No cucumbers!	•Algernon. •¡Sin pepinos!
•Lane. •No, sir. •Not even for ready money.	•Lane. •No, señor. •Ni siquiera con dinero en efectivo.
•Algernon. •That will do, Lane, thank you.	•Algernon. •Está bien, Lane, gracias.
•Lane. •Thank you, sir. •[Goes out].	•Lane. •Gracias. señor. •[Sale].
•Algernon. •I am greatly distressed, Aunt Augusta, about there being no cucumbers, not even for ready money.	•Algernon. •Estoy muy acongojado, tía Augusta, que no hubiera pepinos ni siquiera por dinero en efectivo.
•Lady Bracknell. •It really makes no matter, Algernon. •I had some crumpets with Lady Harbury, who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.	•Lady Bracknell. •Realmente no tiene importancia, Algernon. •Comí algunos buñuelos con Lady Harbury, que me parece estar viviendo completamente para el placer ahora.
•Algernon. •I hear her hair has turned quite gold from grief.	•Algernon. •Oigo que su cabello se ha vuelto todo rubio de la pena.
•Lady Bracknell. •It certainly has changed its colour. •From what cause I, of course, cannot say. •[Algernon crosses and hands tea]. •Thank you. •I’ve quite a treat for you to-night, Algernon. •I am going to send you down with Mary Farquhar. •She is such a nice woman, and so attentive to her husband. •It’s delightful to watch them.	•Lady Bracknell. •Ciertamente le ha cambiado el color. •Por qué motivo yo, por supuesto, no podría decirlo. •[Algernon cruza y le da el té]. •Gracias. •Tengo un gran placer para ti esta noche, Algernon. •Te pondré con Mary Farquhar. •Es una mujer tan agradable y tan atenta con su esposo. •Es encantador verlos.
•Algernon. •I am afraid, Aunt Augusta, I shall have to give up the pleasure of dining with you to-night after all.	•Algernon. •Temo,Tía Augusta, a pesar de todo que tendré que dejar el placer de comer con ustedes esta noche.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Frowning]. •I hope not, Algernon. •It would put my table completely out. •Your uncle would have to dine upstairs. •Fortunately he is accustomed to that.	•Lady Bracknell. •[Frunciendo el ceño]. •Espero que no, Algernon. •Me desmontaría la mesa. •Tu tío tendría que cenar arriba. •Afortunadamente está acostumbrado a eso
•Algernon. •It is a great bore, and, I need hardly say, a terrible disappointment to me, but the fact is I have just had a telegram to say that my poor friend Bunbury is very ill again. •[Exchanges glances with Jack]. •They seem to think I should be with him.	•Algernon. •Esto es un gran fastidio y, no hace falta que diga, una decepción terrible para mí, pero el hecho es que acabo de recibir un telegrama diciéndome que mi pobre amigo Bunbury está muy enfermo otra vez. •[Intercambiando miradas con Jack]. •Parecen creer que yo debería estar con él.
•Lady Bracknell. •It is very strange. •This Mr. Bunbury seems to suffer from curiously bad health.	•Lady Bracknell. •Es muy extraño. •Ese Mr. Bunbury parece sufrir de la salud curiosamente mala.
•Algernon. •Yes; poor Bunbury is a dreadful invalid.	•Algernon. •Sí, pobre Bunbury es un terrible inválido.
•Lady Bracknell. •Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. •This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. •Nor do I in any way approve of the modern sympathy with invalids. •I consider it morbid. •Illness of any kind is hardly a thing to be encouraged in others. •Health is the primary duty of life. •I am always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never seems to take much notice . •. •. •as far as any improvement in his ailment goes. •I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me. •It is my last reception, and one wants something that will encourage conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much.	•Lady Bracknell. •Bien, debo decir, Algernon, que creo ya es hora que Mr. Bunbury tome su decisión ya sea para vivir o morir. •Esta irresolución con la cuestión es absurda. •Tampoco apruebo de ningún modo la compasión moderna con los inválidos. •Lo considero morboso. •La enfermedad de cualquier clase difícilmente es un asunto a ser animado en otros. •La salud es el primer deber de la vida. •Siempre le digo eso a tu pobre tío, pero él nunca parece prestar mucha atención. •. •. •por lo que va en alguna mejora en su dolencia. •Debería estar muy agradecida si pidieras por mí, a Mr. Bunbury, que tuviera la amabilidad de no tener una recaída el sábado, porque yo confío en ti para organizar la música para mí. •Es mi última recepción y uno quiere algo que animará la conversación, particularmente al final de la temporada cuando todos prácticamente han dicho lo que tuvieron que decir, que, en la mayoría de los casos, no era probablemente mucho.
•Algernon. •I’ll speak to Bunbury, Aunt Augusta, if he is still conscious, and I think I can promise you he’ll be all right by Saturday. •Of course the music is a great difficulty. •You see, if one plays good music, people don’t listen, and if one plays bad music people don’t talk. •But I’ll run over the programme I’ve drawn out, if you will kindly come into the next room for a moment.	•Algernon. •Hablaré a Bunbury, tía Augusta, si está todavía consciente y creo puedo prometerle que él estará bien el sábado. •Por supuesto la música es una gran dificultad. •Ya ves, si uno toca buena música, la gente no escucha y si toca mala música, la gente no habla. •Pero voy a repasar el programa que he sacado, si tuviera la amabilidad de venir a la habitación de al lado por un momento.
•Lady Bracknell. •Thank you, Algernon. •It is very thoughtful of you. •[Rising, and following Algernon.] •I’m sure the programme will be delightful, after a few expurgations. •French songs I cannot possibly allow. •People always seem to think that they are improper, and either look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse. •But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so. •Gwendolen, you will accompany me.	•Lady Bracknell. •Gracias, Algernon. •Es muy considerado por tu parte. •[Levantándose y siguiendo a Algernon]. •Estoy segura de que el programa va a ser delicioso, después de algunos retoques. •Posiblemente no puedo permitir las canciones francesas. •La gente parece pensar siempre que son impropias y mira consternada lo que es vulgar o ríe lo que es peor. •Pero el alemán suena como una lengua totalmente respetable y, de hecho, creo que es así. •Gwendolen, tú me acompañarás.
•Gwendolen. •Certainly, mamma.	•Gwendolen. •Sin duda, mamá.
•[Lady Bracknell and Algernon go into the music-room, Gwendolen remains behind].	•[Lady Bracknell y Algernon se dirigen a la sala de música, Gwendolen permanece detrás].
•Jack. •Charming day it has been, Miss Fairfax.	•Jack. •Ha sido un día encantador, Miss Fairfax.
•Gwendolen. •Pray don’t talk to me about the weather, Mr. Worthing. •Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel quite certain that they mean something else. •And that makes me so nervous.	•Gwendolen. •Le ruego que no me hable del tiempo, Mr. Worthing. •Cada vez que la gente me habla del tiempo, siempre me siento bastante segura de que quieren decir algo más. •Y eso me pone muy nerviosa.
•Jack. •I do mean something else.	•Jack. •Quiero decir otra cosa.
•Gwendolen. •I thought so. •In fact, I am never wrong.	•Gwendolen. •Me lo figuraba. •De hecho, nunca me equivoco.
•Jack. •And I would like to be allowed to take advantage of Lady Bracknell’s temporary absence . •. •.	•Jack. •Y yo quisiera que se me permitiera aprovechar la ausencia temporal de Lady Bracknell. •. •.
•Gwendolen. •I would certainly advise you to do so. •Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a room that I have often had to speak to her about.	•Gwendolen. •Ciertamente me gustaría aconsejarle que lo haga. •Mamá tiene una costumbre de volver de repente a una habitación que he tenido que hablar a menudo con ella sobre eso.
•Jack. •[Nervously] Miss Fairfax, ever since I met you I have admired you more than any girl . •. •. •I have ever met since . •. •. •I met you.	•Jack. •[Nervioso] Miss Fairfax, desde que la conocí la he admirado más que a cualquier chica. •. •. •que haya conocido desde que •. •. •la conocí a usted.
•Gwendolen. •Yes, I am quite well aware of the fact. •And I often wish that in public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative. •For me you have always had an irresistible fascination. •Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you. •[Jack looks at her in amazement]. •We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals. •The fact is constantly mentioned in the more expensive monthly magazines, and has reached the provincial pulpits, I am told; and my ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest. •There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence. •The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.	•Gwendolen. •Sí, soy plenamente consciente del hecho. •Y, con frecuencia, me gustaría que, en público, al menos, hubiera sido más expresivo. •Usted siempre ha tenido para mí una irresistible fascinación. •Incuso antes de conocerlo yo estaba lejos de serle indiferente. •[Jack la mira asombrado]. •Vivimos, como espero que usted sepa, Mr. Worthing, en una edad de ideales. •El hecho es constantemente mencionado en las revistas mensuales más caras y me dicen que ha llegado a los púlpitos provinciales; y mi ideal ha sido siempre querer a alguien de nombre Ernesto. •Hay algo en ese nombre que inspira confianza absoluta. •El momento en que Algernon me comentó por primera vez que tenía un amigo llamado Ernesto, supe que estaba destinada a amarlo.
•Jack. •You really love me, Gwendolen?	•Jack. •¿De verdad me amas, Gwendolen?
•Gwendolen. •Passionately!	•Gwendolen. •¡Apasionadamente!
•Jack. •Darling! •You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.	•Jack. •¡Querida! •No sabes lo feliz que me has hecho.
•Gwendolen. •My own Ernest!	•Gwendolen. •¡Mi propio Ernesto!
•Jack. •But you don’t really mean to say that you couldn’t love me if my name wasn’t Ernest?	•Jack. •¿Pero realmente no quiere decir que no podría quererme si mi nombre no fuera Ernesto?
•Gwendolen. •But your name is Ernest.	•Gwendolen. •Pero su nombre es Ernesto.
•Jack. •Yes, I know it is. •But supposing it was something else? •Do you mean to say you couldn’t love me then?	•Jack. •Sí, sé que lo es. •Pero, ¿suponiendo que fuera algún otro? •¿Quiere decir que entonces no podría quererme?
•Gwendolen. •[Glibly]. •Ah! •that is clearly a metaphysical speculation, and like most metaphysical speculations has very little reference at all to the actual facts of real life, as we know them.	•Gwendolen. •[Sin darle importancia]. •¡Ah! •Esa es claramente una especulación metafísica y al igual que la mayoría de las especulaciones metafísicas tiene muy poco que ver con los hechos concretos y la vida real, tal y como los conocemos.
•Jack. •Personally, darling, to speak quite candidly, I don’t much care about the name of Ernest . •. •. •I don’t think the name suits me at all.	•Jack. •Personalmente, querida, para hablar con franqueza, el nombre de Ernesto no me preocupa mucho. •. •. •No pienso que el nombre se adecue a mí en absoluto.
•Gwendolen. •It suits you perfectly. •It is a divine name. •It has a music of its own. •It produces vibrations.	•Gwendolen. •Le cae perfectamente. •Es un nombre divino. •Tiene música propia. •Produce vibraciones.
•Jack. •Well, really, Gwendolen, I must say that I think there are lots of other much nicer names. •I think Jack, for instance, a charming name.	•Jack. •Bueno, realmente, Gwendolen, debo decir que pienso que hay montones de otros nombres mucho más bonitos. •Pienso que Jack, por ejemplo, es un nombre encantador.
•Gwendolen. •Jack? •. •. •. •No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed. •It does not thrill. •It produces absolutely no vibrations . •. •. •I have known several Jacks, and they all, without exception, were more than usually plain. •Besides, Jack is a notorious domesticity for John! •And I pity any woman who is married to a man called John. •She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude. •The only really safe name is Ernest.	•Gwendolen. •¿Jack? •. •. •. •No, de hecho, en el nombre de Jack hay muy poca música, si es que hay alguna. •No emociona. •No produce ni una sola vibración. •. •. •He conocido a varios Jacks y todos ellos, sin excepción, más simples de lo habitual. •Además, ¿Jack es la versión doméstica de John! •Y yo compadezco a cualquier mujer que esté casada con un hombre llamado John. •Probablemente no le sería permitido conocer el fascinante placer de un sencillo momento de soledad. •Realmente el único nombre seguro es Ernesto.
•Jack. •Gwendolen, I must get christened at once—I mean we must get married at once. •There is no time to be lost.	•Jack. •Gwendolen, tengo que ser bautizado de inmediato, me refiero a que debemos casarnos de inmediato. •No hay tiempo que perder.
•Gwendolen. •Married, Mr. Worthing?	•Gwendolen. •¿Casarnos, Mr. Worthing?
•Jack. •[Astounded]. •Well . •. •. •surely. •You know that I love you, and you led me to believe, Miss Fairfax, that you were not absolutely indifferent to me.	•Jack. •[Estupefacto]. •Bueno. •. •. •seguramente. •Sabe que yo la amo y usted me ha llevado a creer, Miss Fairfax, que usted no es absolutamente indiferente hacia mí.
•Gwendolen. •I adore you. •But you haven’t proposed to me yet. •Nothing has been said at all about marriage. •The subject has not even been touched on.	•Gwendolen. •Lo adoro. •Pero todavía no me lo ha propuesto. •No se ha dicho absolutamente nada sobre el matrimonio. •El tema ni siquiera ha sido tocado.
•Jack. •Well . •. •. •may I propose to you now?	•Jack. •Bien. •. •. •¿puedo declararme ahora?
•Gwendolen. •I think it would be an admirable opportunity. •And to spare you any possible disappointment, Mr. Worthing, I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly before-hand that I am fully determined to accept you.	•Gwendolen. •Creo que sería una oportunidad admirable. •Y para evitarle cualquier posible desilusión, Sr. Worthing, creo que es justo decirle con toda franqueza de antemano que estoy totalmente decidida a aceptarlo.
•Jack. •Gwendolen!	•Jack. •¡Gwendolen!
•Gwendolen. •Yes, Mr. Worthing, what have you got to say to me?	•Gwendolen. •Sí, Sr. Worthing, ¿qué tiene que decirme?
•Jack. •You know what I have got to say to you.	•Jack. •Ya sabe lo que tengo que decirle.
•Gwendolen. •Yes, but you don’t say it.	•Gwendolen. •Sí, pero no lo dice.
•Jack. •Gwendolen, will you marry me? •[Goes on his knees.]	•Jack. •Gwendolen, ¿quiere casarse conmigo? •[Se arrodilla.]
•Gwendolen. •Of course I will, darling. •How long you have been about it! •I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose.	•Gwendolen. •Por supuesto que quiero, cariño. •¡Cuánto tiempo le ha llevado esto! •Me temo que tiene muy poca experiencia en cómo declararse.
•Jack. •My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you.	•Jack. •Mi única vez, nunca he amado a nadie en el mundo sino a usted.
•Gwendolen. •Yes, but men often propose for practice. •I know my brother Gerald does. •All my girl-friends tell me so. •What wonderfully blue eyes you have, Ernest! •They are quite, quite, blue. •I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present. •[Enter Lady Bracknell].	•Gwendolen. •Si, pero a menudo los hombres se declaran para practicar. •Sé que mi hermano Gerald lo hace. •Todas mis amigas me lo dicen. •¡Qué maravillosos ojos azules tiene, Ernesto! •Son total, totalmente azules. •Espero que usted me mire así siempre, especialmente cuando haya otra gente presente. •[Entra Lady Bracknell].
•Lady Bracknell. •Mr. Worthing! •Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. •It is most indecorous.	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Sr. Worthing! •Levántese, señor, de esta postura medio reclinada. •Es de lo más indecoroso.
•Gwendolen. •Mamma! •[He tries to rise; she restrains him]. •I must beg you to retire. •This is no place for you. •Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.	•Gwendolen. •¡Mamá! •[Él trata de levantarse; ella lo contiene]. •Debo rogarle que se retire. •Este no es lugar para usted. •Además, el Sr. Worthing no ha terminado aún.
•Lady Bracknell. •Finished what, may I ask?	•Lady Bracknell. •Acabado qué, ¿puedo preguntar?
•Gwendolen. •I am engaged to Mr. Worthing, mamma. •[They rise together].	•Gwendolen. •Estoy prometida al Sr. Worthing, mamá. •[Se levantan juntos].
•Lady Bracknell. •Pardon me, you are not engaged to any one. •When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. •An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. •It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself . •. •. •And now I have a few questions to put to you, Mr. Worthing. •While I am making these inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will wait for me below in the carriage.	•Lady Bracknell. •Perdóname, tú no estás prometida con nadie. •Cuando vayas a prometerte con alguien, yo, o tu padre, si su salud se lo permite, te informaremos del hecho. •Un compromiso debería de llegar a una chica joven como una sorpresa, agradable o desagradable, según el caso. •Es un asunto que difícilmente se le puede permitir organizar a ella misma. •. •. •Y ahora tengo unas cuantas preguntas que hacerle, Mr. Worthing. •Mientras yo hago estas indagaciones, tú, Gwendolen, esperarás por mí abajo en el coche.
•Gwendolen. •[Reproachfully]. •Mamma!	•Gwendolen. •[Con tono de reproche]. •¡Mamá!
•Lady Bracknell. •In the carriage, Gwendolen! •[Gwendolen goes to the door. •She and Jack blow kisses to each other behind Lady Bracknell’s back. •Lady Bracknell looks vaguely about as if she could not understand what the noise was. •Finally turns round]. •Gwendolen, the carriage!	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Al coche, Gwendolen! •[Gwendolen va a la puerta. •Ella y Jack se tiran besos a espaldas de Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell mira vagamente alrededor como si no pudiera entender qué era ese ruido. •Finalmente se da la vuelta]. •¡Gwendolen, el coche!
•Gwendolen. •Yes, mamma. •[Goes out, looking back at Jack].	•Gwendolen. •Sí, mamá. •[Sale, mirando atrás a Jack].
•Lady Bracknell. •[Sitting down]. •You can take a seat, Mr. Worthing.	•Lady Bracknell. •[Sentándose]. •Puede tomar asiento, Mr. Worthing.
•[Looks in her pocket for note-book and pencil].	•[Busca un cuaderno y un lápiz es su bolsillo].
•Jack. •Thank you, Lady Bracknell, I prefer standing.	•Jack. •Gracias, Lady Bracknell, prefiero estar de pie.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Pencil and note-book in hand]. •I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men, although I have the same list as the dear Duchess of Bolton has. •We work together, in fact. •However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother requires. •Do you smoke?	•Lady Bracknell. •[Con el lápiz y el cuaderno en la mano]. •Me siento obligada a decirle que usted no está en mi lista de jóvenes elegibles, aunque tengo la misma lista que mi querida duquesa de Bolton. •Trabajamos juntas, de hecho. •Sin embargo, estoy bastante dispuesta a introducir su nombre si sus respuestas son las que requiere una madre realmente afectuosa. •¿Fuma?
•Jack. •Well, yes, I must admit I smoke.	•Jack. •Bueno, sí, tengo que admitir que fumo.
•Lady Bracknell. •I am glad to hear it. •A man should always have an occupation of some kind. •There are far too many idle men in London as it is. •How old are you?	•Lady Bracknell. •Estoy contenta de oírlo. •Un hombre debería tener siempre una ocupación de algún tipo. •Hay demasiados hombres ociosos en Londres, como van las cosas. •¿Qué edad tiene?
•Jack. •Twenty-nine.	•Jack. •Veintinueve.
•Lady Bracknell. •A very good age to be married at. •I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. •Which do you know?	•Lady Bracknell. •Muy buena edad para casarse. •Siempre he sido de la opinión de que un hombre que desea casarse debería o bien saberlo todo o no saber nada. •¿Qué sabe usted?
•Jack. •[After some hesitation]. •I know nothing, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •I am pleased to hear it. •I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. •Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. •The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. •Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. •If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square. •What is your income?	•Jack. •[Después de vacilar un poco]. •No sé nada, lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •Me alegra oírlo. •No apruebo nada que altere la ignorancia innata. •La ignorancia es como una fruta exótica delicada; la tocas y se le va la pelusa. •Toda la teoría de la educación moderna es radicalmente insana. •Afortunadamente en Inglaterra, en todo caso, la educación no produce ningún efecto. •Si lo hiciera, esto significaría un peligro serio para las clases superiores y probablemente conduciría a los actos de violencia en la Plaza Grosvenor. •¿Cuál es su renta?
•Jack. •Between seven and eight thousand a year.	•Jack. •Entre siete y ocho mil al año.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Makes a note in her book]. •In land, or in investments?	•Lady Bracknell. •[Toma una nota en su cuaderno]. •¿En tierras, o en inversiones?
•Jack. •In investments, chiefly.	•Jack. •En inversiones, principalmente.
•Lady Bracknell. •That is satisfactory. •What between the duties expected of one during one’s lifetime, and the duties exacted from one after one’s death, land has ceased to be either a profit or a pleasure. •It gives one position, and prevents one from keeping it up. •That’s all that can be said about land.	•Lady Bracknell. •Eso es satisfactorio. •Entre los impuestos esperados de alguien durante su vida y los impuestos exigidos de ese alguien después de su muerte, la tierra ha dejado de ser un beneficio o un placer. •Le da a alguien posición y le impide mantenerla actualizada. •Eso es todo lo que puede ser dicho sobre la tierra.
•Jack. •I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe; but I don’t depend on that for my real income. •In fact, as far as I can make out, the poachers are the only people who make anything out of it.	•Jack. •Tengo una casa de campo con alguna tierra, desde luego, conectada a ella, aproximadamente mil quinientos acres, creo; pero no dependo de eso para mis verdaderos ingresos. •De hecho, por lo que puedo distinguir, los cazadores furtivos son las únicas personas que sacan provecho de ella.
•Lady Bracknell. •A country house! •How many bedrooms? •Well, that point can be cleared up afterwards. •You have a town house, I hope? •A girl with a simple, unspoiled nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the country.	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Una casa de campo! •¿Cuántos dormitorios? •Bueno, ese punto puede ser aclarado después. •¿Tiene una casa en la ciudad, confío? •De una niña con una naturaleza sencilla, intacta, como Gwendolen, difícilmente puede esperarse residir en el campo.
•Jack. •Well, I own a house in Belgrave Square, but it is let by the year to Lady Bloxham. •Of course, I can get it back whenever I like, at six months’ notice.	•Jack. •Bien, poseo una casa en la Plaza Belgrave, pero está alquilada este año a Lady Bloxham. •Desde luego, puedo recuperarla si deseo, con un aviso de seis meses.
•Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bloxham? •I don’t know her.	•Lady Blacknell. •¿Lady Bloxham? •No la conozco.
•Jack. •Oh, she goes about very little. •She is a lady considerably advanced in years.	•Jack. •Oh, ella se pasea muy poco. •Es una señora considerablemente entrada en años.
•Lady Bracknell. •Ah, nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability of character. •What number in Belgrave Square?	•Lady Blacknell. •Ah, hoy día eso no es ninguna garantía de respetabilidad de carácter. •¿Qué número en Plaza Belgrave?
•Jack. •149.	•Jack. •149.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Shaking her head]. •The unfashionable side. •I thought there was something. •However, that could easily be altered.	•Lady Blacknell. •[Moviendo su cabeza]. •El costado que no está de moda. •Pensé que había algo. •Sin embargo, eso podría ser modificado fácilmente.
•Jack. •Do you mean the fashion, or the side?	•Jack. •¿Se refiere usted a la moda, o al costado?
•Lady Bracknell. •[Sternly]. •Both, if necessary, I presume. •What are your politics?	•Lady Blacknell. •[Con dureza]. •Ambos, en caso necesario, presumo. •¿Cuáles son sus ideas políticas?
•Jack. •Well, I am afraid I really have none. •I am a Liberal Unionist.	•Jack. •Bueno, temo realmente no tener ninguna. •Soy un gremialista liberal.
•Lady Bracknell. •Oh, they count as Tories. •They dine with us. •Or come in the evening, at any rate. •Now to minor matters. •Are your parents living?	•Lady Bracknell. •Oh, ellos se consideran como Tories. •Ellos comen con nosotros. •O en todo caso, vienen por la noche. •Ahora a las pequeñas cuestiones. •¿Viven sus padres?
•Jack. •I have lost both my parents.	•Jack. •He perdido a ambos.
•Lady Bracknell. •To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. •Who was your father? •He was evidently a man of some wealth. •Was he born in what the Radical papers call the purple of commerce, or did he rise from the ranks of the aristocracy?	•Lady Bracknell. •Perder un progenitor; Mr. Worthing, puede ser considerado como una desgracia; perder a ambos parece falta de cuidado. •¿Quién era su padre? •Evidentemente era un hombre de alguna riqueza. •¿Nació en lo que la prensa del Radical llama la púrpura del comercio o surgió de las filas de la aristocracia?
•Jack. •I am afraid I really don’t know. •The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents. •It would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have lost me . •. •. •I don’t actually know who I am by birth. •I was . •. •. •well, I was found.	•Jack. •Me temo que, en realidad, no lo sé. •El hecho es, Lady Bracknell, que dije que había perdido a mis padres. •Sería más próximo a la verdad decir que parece que mis padres me perdieron a mí. •. •. •En realidad no sé quién soy de nacimiento. •Era. •. •. •bien, fui encontrado.
•Lady Bracknell. •Found!	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Encontrado!
•Jack. •The late Mr. Thomas Cardew, an old gentleman of a very charitable and kindly disposition, found me, and gave me the name of Worthing, because he happened to have a first-class ticket for Worthing in his pocket at the time. •Worthing is a place in Sussex. •It is a seaside resort.	•Jack. •El difunto Mr. Thomas Cardew, un viejo caballero de una verdadera disposición caritativa y bondadosa, me encontró y me dio el nombre de Worthing, porque dio la casualidad de que, en ese momento, tenía en su bolsillo un billete de primera clase para Worthing. •Worthing es un lugar de Sussex. •Es un lugar turístico en la costa.
•Lady Bracknell. •Where did the charitable gentleman who had a first-class ticket for this seaside resort find you?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Dónde lo encontró el caritativo señor que tenía un billete de primera clase para este lugar de turismo?
•Jack. •[Gravely]. •In a hand-bag.	•Jack. •[Seriamente]. •En un bolso de mano.
•Lady Bracknell. •A hand-bag?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Un bolso de mano?
•Jack. •[Very seriously]. •Yes, Lady Bracknell. •I was in a hand-bag—a somewhat large, black leather hand-bag, with handles to it—an ordinary hand-bag in fact.	•Jack. •[Con gran seriedad]. •Sí, Lady Bracknell. •Yo estaba en un bolso de mano, algo grande, un bolso de mano de piel negra, con asas para cogerlo, de hecho un bolso de mano corriente.
•Lady Bracknell. •In what locality did this Mr. James, or Thomas, Cardew come across this ordinary hand-bag?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿En qué localidad se encontró este Mr.James o Thomas, Cardew ese bolso de mano ordinario?
•Jack. •In the cloak-room at Victoria Station. •It was given to him in mistake for his own.	•Jack. •En los servicios de Victoria Station. •Le fue entregado confundido con el suyo.
•Lady Bracknell. •The cloak-room at Victoria Station?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Los servicios de Victoria Station?
•Jack. •Yes. •The Brighton line.	•Jack. •Sí. •La línea de Brighton.
•Lady Bracknell. •The line is immaterial. •Mr. Worthing, I confess I feel somewhat bewildered by what you have just told me. •To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst excesses of the French Revolution. •And I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to? •As for the particular locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion—has probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now—but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a recognised position in good society.	•Lady Bracknell. •La línea es intangible. •Mr. Worthing, confieso que me siento algo desconcertada por lo que acaba de decirme. •Haber nacido o, en cualquier caso, criado en un bolso de mano, lo mismo tenga asas o no, me parece mostrar un desprecio por las buenas costumbres normales de la vida familiar que recuerda a uno de los peores excesos de la Revolución Francesa. •¿Y supongo que usted sabe a qué condujo ese desgraciado movimiento? •En cuanto al particular lugar en el que fue encontrado el bolso de mano, un servicio en una estación de ferrocarril, puede servir para ocultar una indiscreción social —de hecho, probablemente ha sido usado con ese objetivo antes de ahora— pero difícilmente podría considerarse como una base segura para una posición reconocida en la buena sociedad.
•Jack. •May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? •I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’s happiness.	•Jack. •¿Puedo preguntarle entonces qué me aconseja que haga? •No necesito decir que haría cualquier cosa en el mundo para asegurar la felicidad de Gwendolen.
•Lady Bracknell. •I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over.	•Lady Bracknell. •Le recomendaría encarecidamente, Sr Worthing, que trate de adquirir algunas relaciones lo más pronto posible, y haga un esfuerzo definido para producir por lo menos un progenitor, de cualquier sexo, antes de que la temporada esté bien terminada.
•Jack. •Well, I don’t see how I could possibly manage to do that. •I can produce the hand-bag at any moment. •It is in my dressing-room at home. •I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •Me, sir! •What has it to do with me? •You can hardly imagine that I and Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter—a girl brought up with the utmost care—to marry into a cloak-room, and form an alliance with a parcel? •Good morning, Mr. Worthing!	•Jack. •Bueno, no veo cómo podría ser posible lograr eso. •Puedo sacar el bolso de mano en cualquier momento. •Está en mi vestidor en casa. •Realmente creo que podría satisfacerla, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •¡A mí, señor! •¿Qué tiene eso que ver conmigo? •¿Usted puede acaso imaginar que Lord Bracknell y yo soñaríamos permitir a nuestra única hija-- una niña criada con el mayor esmero-- casarse dentro de un guardarropa y formar una alianza con un paquete? •¡Buenos días, Mr. Worthing!
•[Lady Bracknell sweeps out in majestic indignation].	•[Lady Bracknell abandona el lugar con majestuosa indignación].
•Jack. •Good morning! •[Algernon, from the other room, strikes up the Wedding March. •Jack looks perfectly furious, and goes to the door]. •For goodness’ sake don’t play that ghastly tune, Algy. •How idiotic you are!	•Jack. •¡Buenos días! •[Algernon, desde la otra habitación, comienza a tocar la Marcha nupcial. •Jack parece totalmente furioso, y va hacia la puerta]. •Por amor de Dios, no toques esa espantosa música, Algy. •¡Qué idiota eres!
•[The music stops and Algernon enters cheerily].	•[La música para y Algernon entra animado].
•Algernon. •Didn’t it go off all right, old boy? •You don’t mean to say Gwendolen refused you? •I know it is a way she has. •She is always refusing people. •I think it is most ill-natured of her.	•Algernon. •¿No salió todo bien, viejo amigo? •¿No querrás decir que Gwendolen te rechazó? •Creo que es un método que tiene. •Siempre está rechazando gente. •Creo que es su muy mal carácter.
•Jack. •Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. •As far as she is concerned, we are engaged. •Her mother is perfectly unbearable. •Never met such a Gorgon . •. •. •I don’t really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one. •In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair . •. •. •I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn’t talk about your own aunt in that way before you.	•Jack. •Oh, Gwendolen está perfectamente bien. •Por lo que se refiere a ella, estamos comprometidos. •Su madre es totalmente insoportable. •Nunca había encontrado Gorgona semejante. •. •. •No sé en realidad cómo es una Gorgona, pero estoy completamente seguro que Lady Brackell lo es. •En cualquier caso, es un monstruo, sin ser un mito, lo que es más bien injusto. •. •. •Te pido perdón, Algy, supongo que no debería de hablar de esta forma de tu propia tía delante de ti.
•Algernon. •My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. •It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all. •Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.	•Algernon. •Amigo mío, me encanta oír hablar mal de mis parientes. •Es lo único que me permite aguantarlos a todos. •Los parientes son simplemente una tediosa manada de personas, que no tienen la más remota idea de cómo vivir, ni el menor instinto sobre cuándo morir.
•Jack. •Oh, that is nonsense!	•Jack. •¡Oh, eso son palabrerías!
•Algernon. •It isn’t!	•Algernon. •¡No lo son!
•Jack. •Well, I won’t argue about the matter. •You always want to argue about things.	•Jack. •Bueno, no voy a discutir sobre el tema. •Tú siempre quieres discutir sobre las cosas.
•Algernon. •That is exactly what things were originally made for.	•Algernon. •Eso es exactamente para lo que fueron hechas originalmente las cosas.
•Jack. •Upon my word, if I thought that, I’d shoot myself . •. •. •[A pause]. •You don’t think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years, do you, Algy?	•Jack. •Bajo mi palabra, si yo pensara así, me pegaría un tiro. •. •. •[Una pausa]. •Tú no piensas que hay ninguna probabilidad de que Gwendolen se vuelva como su madre en unos ciento cincuenta años, ¿verdad, Algy?
•Algernon. •All women become like their mothers. •That is their tragedy. •No man does. •That’s his.	•Algernon. •Todas las mujeres se vuelven como sus madres. •Esa es su tragedia. •Ningún hombre lo hace. •Esa es la suya.
•Jack. •Is that clever?	•Jack. •¿Eso es inteligente?
•Algernon. •It is perfectly phrased! •and quite as true as any observation in civilised life should be.	•Algernon. •¡Está perfectamente redactado! •y tan cierto como debería ser cualquier observación en la vida civilizada.
•Jack. •I am sick to death of cleverness. •Everybody is clever nowadays. •You can’t go anywhere without meeting clever people. •The thing has become an absolute public nuisance. •I wish to goodness we had a few fools left.	•Jack. •Estoy harto de la inteligencia. •Todo el mundo es inteligente hoy en día. •No puedes ir a ninguna parte sin conocer gente inteligente. •La cosa se ha convertido en una absoluta molestia pública. •Deseo, cielos, que nos quedaran algunos tontos.
•Algernon. •We have.	•Algernon. •Tenemos.
•Jack. •I should extremely like to meet them. •What do they talk about?	•Jack. •Me gustaría mucho conocerlos. •¿De qué hablan?
•Algernon. •The fools? •Oh! •about the clever people, of course.	•Algernon. •¿Los tontos? •¡Oh! •sobre las personas inteligentes, por supuesto.
•Jack. •What fools!	•Jack. •¡Qué tontos!
•Algernon. •By the way, did you tell Gwendolen the truth about your being Ernest in town, and Jack in the country?	•Algernon. •Por cierto, ¿le contaste a Gwendolen la verdad sobre que eres Ernest en la ciudad y Jack en el campo?
•Jack. •[In a very patronising manner]. •My dear fellow, the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl. •What extraordinary ideas you have about the way to behave to a woman!	•Jack. •[De una manera muy condescendiente]. •Mi querido amigo, la verdad no es exactamente el tipo de cosa que uno le cuenta a una chica agradable, dulce y refinada. •¡Qué extraordinarias ideas tienes sobre la forma de comportarse con una mujer!
•Algernon. •The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she is pretty, and to some one else, if she is plain.	•Algernon. •La única forma de comportarse con una mujer es hacerle el amor si es bonita y a alguna otra, si es poco atractiva.
•Jack. •Oh, that is nonsense.	•Jack. •¡Oh!, eso es un disparate.
•Algernon. •What about your brother? •What about the profligate Ernest?	•Algernon. •¿Qué tal tu hermano? •¿Qué tal el libertino Ernesto?
•Jack. •Oh, before the end of the week I shall have got rid of him. •I’ll say he died in Paris of apoplexy. •Lots of people die of apoplexy, quite suddenly, don’t they?	•Jack. •Oh, antes del fin de semana tendré que deshacerme de él. •Diré que murió en París de apoplejía. •Mucha gente muere de apoplejía, muy a menudo, ¿no?
•Algernon. •Yes, but it’s hereditary, my dear fellow. •It’s a sort of thing that runs in families. •You had much better say a severe chill.	•Algernon. •Sí, pero es hereditaria, mi querido amigo. •Es un tipo de cosas que suceden en las familias. •Harías mucho mejor diciendo un severo resfriado.
•Jack. •You are sure a severe chill isn’t hereditary, or anything of that kind?	•Jack. •¿Estás seguro de que un resfriado severo no es hereditario o nada similar?
•Algernon. •Of course it isn’t!	•Algernon. •¡Por supuesto que no lo es!
•Jack. •Very well, then. •My poor brother Ernest to carried off suddenly, in Paris, by a severe chill. •That gets rid of him.	•Jack. •Entonces, muy bien. •Mi pobre hermano Ernesto fue llevado a la tumba, de repente, en París, por un resfriado severo. •Eso nos deshace de él.
•Algernon. •But I thought you said that . •. •. •Miss Cardew was a little too much interested in your poor brother Ernest? •Won’t she feel his loss a good deal?	•Algernon. •Pero, pensé que dijiste que. •. •. •¿Miss Cardew estaba un poco demasiado interesada en tu pobre hermano Ernesto? •¿No quedará ella muy afectada por su pérdida?
•Jack. •Oh, that is all right. •Cecily is not a silly romantic girl, I am glad to say. •She has got a capital appetite, goes long walks, and pays no attention at all to her lessons.	•Jack. •Oh, eso está todo correcto. •Cecily no es una romántica chica tonta, me alegro de decirlo. •Tiene un magnífico apetito, da largos paseos y no presta ninguna atención a sus lecciones.
•Algernon. •I would rather like to see Cecily.	•Algernon. •Preferiría ver a Cecily.
•Jack. •I will take very good care you never do. •She is excessively pretty, and she is only just eighteen.	•Jack. •Cuidaré mucho de que nunca lo hagas. •Es excesivamente bonita y tiene solamente dieciocho años.
•Algernon. •Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who is only just eighteen?	•Algernon. •¿Has dicho a Gwendolen ya que tienes una pupila excesivamente bonita que tiene precisamente solo dieciocho años?
•Jack. •Oh! •one doesn’t blurt these things out to people. •Cecily and Gwendolen are perfectly certain to be extremely great friends. •I’ll bet you anything you like that half an hour after they have met, they will be calling each other sister.	•Jack. •¡Oh! •uno no cuenta de buenas a primeras esas cosas a la gente. •Cecily y Gwendolen se convertirán seguramente en muy buenas amigas. •Te apuesto lo que quieras a que media hora después de haberse conocido, se estarán llamando mutuamente hermanas.
•Algernon. •Women only do that when they have called each other a lot of other things first. •Now, my dear boy, if we want to get a good table at Willis’s, we really must go and dress. •Do you know it is nearly seven?	•Algernon. •Las mujeres solo hacen eso cuando primero se han llamado mutuamente un montón de otras cosas. •Ahora, mi querido muchacho, si queremos conseguir una buena mesa en Willis, tenemos que ir y vestirnos. •¿Sabes que casi son las siete?
•Jack. •[Irritably]. •Oh! •It always is nearly seven.	•Jack. •[Irritado]. •¡Oh! •Siempre son casi las siete.
•Algernon. •Well, I’m hungry.	•Algernon. •Bueno, estoy hambriento.
•Jack. •I never knew you when you weren’t . •. •.	•Jack. •Nunca supe que no lo estuvieras. •. •.
•Algernon. •What shall we do after dinner? •Go to a theatre?	•Algernon. •¿Qué vamos a hacer después de cenar? •¿Ir al teatro?
•Jack. •Oh no! •I loathe listening.	•Jack. •¡Oh, no! •Detesto escuchar.
•Algernon. •Well, let us go to the Club?	•Algernon. •Bueno, ¿vamos al Club?
•Jack. •Oh, no! •I hate talking.	•Jack. •¡Oh, no! •Odio hablar.
•Algernon. •Well, we might trot round to the Empire at ten?	•Algernon. •¿Bueno, podríamos dar una vuelta hasta el Empire a las diez?
•Jack. •Oh, no! •I can’t bear looking at things. •It is so silly.	•Jack. •¡Oh, no! •No puedo soportar mirar cosas. •Es tan tonto.
•Algernon. •Well, what shall we do?	•Algernon •¿Entonces, que vamos hacer?
•Jack. •Nothing!	•Jack. •¡Nada!
•Algernon. •It is awfully hard work doing nothing. •However, I don’t mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.	•Algernon •Es terriblemente difícil no hacer nada. •Sin embargo, no me importa trabajar duro cuando no existe un objetivo definido de ningún tipo.
•[Enter Lane].	•[Entra Lane].
•Lane. •Miss Fairfax.	•Lane. •La Señora Fairfax.
•[Enter Gwendolen. •Lane goes out].	•[Entra Gwendolen. •Lane sale].
•Algernon. •Gwendolen, upon my word!	•Algernon. •Gwendolen, ¡caramba!
•Gwendolen. •Algy, kindly turn your back. •I have something very particular to say to Mr. Worthing.	•Gwendolen. •Algy, por favor girate de espaldas. •Tengo que decirle algo muy particular al Sr. Worthing.
•Algernon. •Really, Gwendolen, I don’t think I can allow this at all.	•Algernon. •Realmente, Gwendolen, no creo que pueda permitir esto de ninguna manera.
•Gwendolen. •Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral attitude towards life. •You are not quite old enough to do that. •[Algernon retires to the fireplace].	•Gwendolen. •Algy, siempre adoptas una actitud estrictamente inmoral hacia la vida. •No eres lo suficientemente mayor para hacer eso. •[Algernon se retira a la chimenea].
•Jack. •My own darling!	•Jack. •¡Querida mía!
•Gwendolen. •Ernest, we may never be married. •From the expression on mamma’s face I fear we never shall. •Few parents nowadays pay any regard to what their children say to them. •The old-fashioned respect for the young is fast dying out. •Whatever influence I ever had over mamma, I lost at the age of three. •But although she may prevent us from becoming man and wife, and I may marry some one else, and marry often, nothing that she can possibly do can alter my eternal devotion to you.	•Gwendolen. •Ernest, quizás nunca nos casemos. •Por la expresión en el rostro de mamá, me temo que nunca lo haremos. •Pocos padres hoy en día prestan atención a lo que sus hijos les dicen. •El anticuado respeto por los jóvenes está desapareciendo rápidamente. •Cualquier influencia que jamás haya tenido sobre mamá, la perdí a la edad de tres años. •Pero aunque ella puede evitar que seamos marido y mujer, y pueda casarme con algún otro, y casarme a menudo, nada de lo que ella pueda hacer puede alterar mi eterna devoción por ti.
•Jack. •Dear Gwendolen!	•Jack. •¡Querida Gwendolen!
•Gwendolen. •The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature. •Your Christian name has an irresistible fascination. •The simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to me. •Your town address at the Albany I have. •What is your address in the country?	•Gwendolen. •La historia de tu romántico origen, que me relató mamá, con comentarios desagradables, naturalmente ha removido las fibras más profundas de mi naturaleza. •Tu nombre de pila tiene una fascinación irresistible. •La sencillez de tu carácter te hace exquisitamente incomprensible para mí. •Tengo tu dirección de la ciudad en Albany. •¿Cuál es tu dirección en el campo?
•Jack. •The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire.	•Jack. •La Mansión, Woolton, Hertfordshire.
•[Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and writes the address on his shirt-cuff. •Then picks up the Railway Guide].	•[Algernon, que ha estado escuchando con cautela, sonríe para sí, y escribe la dirección en el puño de su camisa. •Luego recoge la guía de ferrocarriles].
•Gwendolen. •There is a good postal service, I suppose? •It may be necessary to do something desperate. •That of course will require serious consideration. •I will communicate with you daily.	•Gwendolen. •¿Habrá un buen servicio postal, me imagino? •Podría ser necesario hacer algo desesperado. •Que por supuesto requerirá una seria reflexión. •Me comunicaré contigo diariamente.
•Jack. •My own one!	•Jack. •¡Mi bien!
•Gwendolen. •How long do you remain in town?	•Gwendolen. •¿Cuánto tiempo te quedas en la ciudad?
•Jack. •Till Monday.	•Jack. •Hasta el lunes.
•Gwendolen. •Good! •Algy, you may turn round now.	•Gwendolen. •¡Bien! •Algy, te puedes dar la vuelta ahora.
•Algernon. •Thanks, I’ve turned round already.	•Algernon. •Gracias, ya me he dado la vuelta.
•Gwendolen. •You may also ring the bell.	•Gwendolen. •También puedes tocar la campanilla.
•Jack. •You will let me see you to your carriage, my own darling?	•Jack. •¿Me dejarás acompañarte hasta tu coche, mi querida?
•Gwendolen. •Certainly.	•Gwendolen. •Seguro.
•Jack. •[To Lane, who now enters]. •I will see Miss Fairfax out.	•Jack. •[A Lane, que entra ahora]. •Acompañaré a Miss Fairfax a la salida.
•Lane. •Yes, sir. •[Jack and Gwendolen go off].	•Lane. •Sí, señor. •[Jack y Gwendolen salen].
•[Lane presents several letters on a salver to Algernon. •It is to be surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the envelopes, tears them up].	•[Lane presenta varias cartas en una bandeja a Algernon. •Se da a suponer que son facturas, cuando Algernon, después de mirar los sobres, los rompe en trocitos].
•Algernon. •A glass of sherry, Lane. •Lane. •Yes, sir.	•Algernon. •Un vaso de jerez, Lane. •Lane. •Sí, señor.
•Algernon. •To-morrow, Lane, I’m going Bunburying.	•Algernon. •Mañana, Lane, voy a bunburear.
•Lane. •Yes, sir.	•Lane. •Sí, señor.
•Algernon. •I shall probably not be back till Monday. •You can put up my dress clothes, my smoking jacket, and all the Bunbury suits . •. •.	•Algernon. •Probablemente no estaré de vuelta hasta el lunes. •Puedes preparar mi ropa de vestir, mi esmoquin y todos los trajes de Bunbury. •. •.
•Lane. •Yes, sir. •[Handing sherry].	•Lane. •Sí, señor. •[Dándole el jerez].
•Algernon. •I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane. •Lane. •It never is, sir.	•Algernon. •Espero que mañana será un buen día, Lane. •Lane. •Nunca lo es, señor.
•Algernon. •Lane, you’re a perfect pessimist.	•Algernon. •Lane, usted es un perfecto pesimista.
•Lane. •I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.	•Lane. •Hago lo que puedo para satisfacer, señor.
•[Enter Jack. •Lane goes off].	•[Entra Jack. •Sale Lane].
•Jack. •There’s a sensible, intellectual girl! •the only girl I ever cared for in my life. •[Algernon is laughing immoderately]. •What on earth are you so amused at?	•Jack. •¡Es una chica sensata, intelectual! •la única chica que me ha interesado en mi vida. •[Algernon se rie sin moderación]. •¿Qué hay sobre la tierra que te divierta tanto?
•Algernon. •Oh, I’m a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all.	•Algernon. •Oh, estoy un poco nervioso por el pobre Bunbury, eso es todo.
•Jack. •If you don’t take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day.	•Jack. •Si no tienes cuidado, tu amigo Bunbury te meterá en un serio aprieto algún día.
•Algernon. •I love scrapes. •They are the only things that are never serious.	•Algernon. •Amo los embrollos. •Son las únicas cosas que nunca so serias.
•Jack. •Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy. •You never talk anything but nonsense.	•Jack. •Oh, eso es una tontería, Algy. •Nunca hablas de cualquier cosa sino tonterías.
•Algernon. •Nobody ever does.	•Algernon. •Nadie lo hace.
•[Jack looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room. •Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles].	•[Jack lo mira con indignación y abandona el salón. •Algernon enciende un cigarrillo, lee el puño de su camisa y sonríe].
•ACT DROP.	•FIN DEL ACTO.

unit 1

The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.
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Publisher's preface.
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This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.
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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org.
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Title: The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
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Author: Oscar Wilde.
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Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].
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Language: English.
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Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.
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Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.
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The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
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THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY.
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John Worthing, JP.
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Algernon Moncrieff.
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Rev.
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Canon Chasuble, DD.
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Merriman, Butler.
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Lane, Manservant.
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Lady Bracknell.
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Hon.
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Gwendolen Fairfax.
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Cecily Cardew.
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Miss Prism, Governess.
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THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.
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ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W. ACT II.
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The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.
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ACT III.
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Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.
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TIME: The Present.
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LONDON: ST. JAMES’S THEATRE Lessee and Manager: Mr. George Alexander.
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February 14th, 1895.
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* * * * * John Worthing, JP: Mr. George Alexander.
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Algernon Moncrieff: Mr. Allen Aynesworth.
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Rev.
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Canon Chasuble, DD: Mr. HH Vincent.
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Merriman: Mr. Frank Dyall.
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Lane: Mr. F. Kinsey Peile.
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Lady Bracknell: Miss Rose Leclercq.
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Hon.
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Gwendolen Fairfax: Miss Irene Vanbrugh.
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Cecily Cardew: Miss Evelyn Millard.
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Miss Prism: Mrs. George Canninge.
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FIRST ACT.
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SCENE: Morning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street.
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The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished.
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The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room.
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[Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters].
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Algernon.
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Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?
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Lane.
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I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir.
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Algernon.
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I’m sorry for that, for your sake.
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I don’t play accurately—any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression.
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As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte.
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I keep science for Life.
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Lane.
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Yes, sir.
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Algernon.
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And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?
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Lane.
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Yes, sir.
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[Hands them on a salver].
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Algernon.
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[Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on the sofa].
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Oh!
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.
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.
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.
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by the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed.
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Lane.
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Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint.
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Algernon.
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Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne?
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I ask merely for information.
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Lane.
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I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir.
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I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand.
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Algernon.
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Good heavens!
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Is marriage so demoralising as that?
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Lane.
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I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir.
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I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present.
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I have only been married once.
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That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person.
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Algernon.
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[Languidly].
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I don’t know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane.
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Lane.
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No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject.
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I never think of it myself.
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Algernon.
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Very natural, I am sure.
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unit 95

That will do, Lane, thank you.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 96

Lane.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 97

Thank you, sir.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 98

[Lane goes out].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 99

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 100

Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 101

Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 102

They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 103

[Enter Lane].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 104

Lane.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 105

Mr. Ernest Worthing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 106

[Enter Jack].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 107

[Lane goes out].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 108

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 109

How are you, my dear Ernest?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 110

What brings you up to town?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 111

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 112

Oh, pleasure, pleasure!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 113

What else should bring one anywhere?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 114

Eating as usual, I see, Algy!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 115

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 116

[Stiffly].
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 117

I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o’clock.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 118

Where have you been since last Thursday?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 119

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 120

[Sitting down on the sofa].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 121

In the country.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 122

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 123

What on earth do you do there?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 124

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 125

[Pulling off his gloves].
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 126

When one is in town one amuses oneself.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 127

When one is in the country one amuses other people.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 128

It is excessively boring.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 129

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 130

And who are the people you amuse?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 131

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 132

[Airily].
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 133

Oh, neighbours, neighbours.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 134

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 135

Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 136

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 137

Perfectly horrid!
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 138

Never speak to one of them.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 139

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 140

How immensely you must amuse them!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 141

[Goes over and takes sandwich].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 142

By the way, Shropshire is your county, is it not?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 143

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 144

Eh?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 145

Shropshire?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 146

Yes, of course.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 147

Hallo!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 148

Why all these cups?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 149

Why cucumber sandwiches?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 150

Why such reckless extravagance in one so young?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 151

Who is coming to tea?
3 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 152

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 153

Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 154

merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 155

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 156

How perfectly delightful!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 157

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 158

Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won’t quite approve of your being here.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 159

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 160

May I ask why?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 161

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 162

My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 163

It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 164

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 165

I am in love with Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 166

I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 167

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 168

I thought you had come up for pleasure?
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 169

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 170

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 171

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 172

I call that business.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 173

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 174

How utterly unromantic you are!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 175

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 176

I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 177

It is very romantic to be in love.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 178

But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 179

Why, one may be accepted.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 180

One usually is, I believe.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 181

Then the excitement is all over.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 182

The very essence of romance is uncertainty.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 183

If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 184

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 185

I have no doubt about that, dear Algy.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 186

The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 187

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 188

Oh!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 189

there is no use speculating on that subject.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 190

Divorces are made in Heaven—[Jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 191

Algernon at once interferes].
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 192

Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 193

They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 194

[Takes one and eats it].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 195

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 196

Well, you have been eating them all the time.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 197

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 198

That is quite a different matter.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 199

She is my aunt.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 200

[Takes plate from below].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 201

Have some bread and butter.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 202

The bread and butter is for Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 203

Gwendolen is devoted to bread and butter.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 204

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 205

[Advancing to table and helping himself].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 206

And very good bread and butter it is too.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 207

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 208

Well, my dear fellow, you need not eat as if you were going to eat it all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 209

You behave as if you were married to her already.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 210

You are not married to her already, and I don’t think you ever will be.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 211

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 212

Why on earth do you say that?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 213

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 214

Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 215

Girls don’t think it right.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 216

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 217

Oh, that is nonsense!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 218

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 219

It isn’t.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 220

It is a great truth.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 221

It accounts for the extraordinary number of bachelors that one sees all over the place.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 222

In the second place, I don’t give my consent.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 223

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 224

Your consent!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 225

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 226

My dear fellow, Gwendolen is my first cousin.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 227

And before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole question of Cecily.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 228

[Rings bell].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 229

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 230

Cecily!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 231

What on earth do you mean?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 232

What do you mean, Algy, by Cecily!
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 233

I don’t know any one of the name of Cecily.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 234

[Enter Lane].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 235

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 236

Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the smoking-room the last time he dined here.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 237

Lane.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 238

Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 239

[Lane goes out].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 240

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 241

Do you mean to say you have had my cigarette case all this time?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 242

I wish to goodness you had let me know.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 243

I have been writing frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 244

I was very nearly offering a large reward.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 245

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 246

Well, I wish you would offer one.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 247

I happen to be more than usually hard up.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 248

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 249

There is no good offering a large reward now that the thing is found.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 250

[Enter Lane with the cigarette case on a salver.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 251

Algernon takes it at once.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 252

Lane goes out].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 253

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 254

I think that is rather mean of you, Ernest, I must say.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 255

[Opens case and examines it].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 256

However, it makes no matter, for, now that I look at the inscription inside, I find that the thing isn’t yours after all.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 257

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 258

Of course it’s mine.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 259

[Moving to him.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 260

You have seen me with it a hundred times, and you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 261

It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 262

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 263

Oh!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 264

it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn’t.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 265

More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 266

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 267

I am quite aware of the fact, and I don’t propose to discuss modern culture.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 268

It isn’t the sort of thing one should talk of in private.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 269

I simply want my cigarette case back.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 270

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 271

Yes; but this isn’t your cigarette case.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 272

This cigarette case is a present from some one of the name of Cecily, and you said you didn’t know any one of that name.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 273

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 274

Well, if you want to know, Cecily happens to be my aunt.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 275

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 276

Your aunt!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 277

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 278

Yes.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 279

Charming old lady she is, too.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 280

Lives at Tunbridge Wells.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 281

Just give it back to me, Algy.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 282

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 283

[Retreating to back of sofa.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 284

But why does she call herself little Cecily if she is your aunt and lives at Tunbridge Wells?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 285

[Reading].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 286

‘From little Cecily with her fondest love.’ Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 287

[Moving to sofa and kneeling upon it].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 288

My dear fellow, what on earth is there in that?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 289

Some aunts are tall, some aunts are not tall.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 290

That is a matter that surely an aunt may be allowed to decide for herself.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 291

You seem to think that every aunt should be exactly like your aunt!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 292

That is absurd!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 293

For Heaven’s sake give me back my cigarette case.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 294

[Follows Algernon round the room].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 295

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 296

Yes.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 297

But why does your aunt call you her uncle?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 298

‘From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack.’ There is no objection, I admit, to an aunt being a small aunt, but why an aunt, no matter what her size may be, should call her own nephew her uncle, I can’t quite make out.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 299

Besides, your name isn’t Jack at all; it is Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 300

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 301

It isn’t Ernest; it’s Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 302

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 303

You have always told me it was Ernest.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 304

I have introduced you to every one as Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 305

You answer to the name of Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 306

You look as if your name was Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 307

You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 308

It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn’t Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 309

It’s on your cards.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 310

Here is one of them.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 311

[Taking it from case].
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 312

‘Mr.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 313

Ernest Worthing, B.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 314

4, The Albany.’ I’ll keep this as a proof that your name is Ernest if ever you attempt to deny it to me, or to Gwendolen, or to any one else.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 315

[Puts the card in his pocket].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 316

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 317

Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country, and the cigarette case was given to me in the country.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 318

Algernon.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 319

Yes, but that does not account for the fact that your small Aunt Cecily, who lives at Tunbridge Wells, calls you her dear uncle.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 320

Come, old boy, you had much better have the thing out at once.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 321

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 322

My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 323

It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 324

It produces a false impression.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 325

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 326

Well, that is exactly what dentists always do.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 327

Now, go on!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 328

Tell me the whole thing.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 329

I may mention that I have always suspected you of being a confirmed and secret Bunburyist; and I am quite sure of it now.
2 Translations, 8 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 330

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 331

Bunburyist?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 332

What on earth do you mean by a Bunburyist?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 333

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 334

I’ll reveal to you the meaning of that incomparable expression as soon as you are kind enough to inform me why you are Ernest in town and Jack in the country.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 335

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 336

Well, produce my cigarette case first.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 337

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 338

Here it is.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 339

[Hands cigarette case].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 340

Now produce your explanation, and pray make it improbable.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 341

[Sits on sofa].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 342

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 343

My dear fellow, there is nothing improbable about my explanation at all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 344

In fact it’s perfectly ordinary.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 345

Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss Cecily Cardew.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 346

Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 347

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 348

Where is that place in the country, by the way?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 349

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 350

That is nothing to you, dear boy.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 351

You are not going to be invited .
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 352

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 353

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 354

I may tell you candidly that the place is not in Shropshire.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 355

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 356

I suspected that, my dear fellow!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 357

I have Bunburyed all over Shropshire on two separate occasions.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 358

Now, go on.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 359

Why are you Ernest in town and Jack in the country?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 360

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 361

My dear Algy, I don’t know whether you will be able to understand my real motives.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 362

You are hardly serious enough.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 363

When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 364

It’s one’s duty to do so.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 365

And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce very much to either one’s health or one’s happiness, in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 366

That, my dear Algy, is the whole truth pure and simple.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 367

Algernon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 368

The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 369

Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 370

Jack.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 371

That wouldn’t be at all a bad thing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 372

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 373

Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 374

Don’t try it.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 375

You should leave that to people who haven’t been at a University.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 376

They do it so well in the daily papers.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 377

What you really are is a Bunburyist.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 378

I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 379

You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 380

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 381

What on earth do you mean?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 382

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 383

You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 384

I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 385

Bunbury is perfectly invaluable.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 386

If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 387

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 388

I haven’t asked you to dine with me anywhere to-night.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 389

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 390

I know.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 391

You are absurdly careless about sending out invitations.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 392

It is very foolish of you.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 393

Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 394

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 395

You had much better dine with your Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 396

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 397

I haven’t the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 398

To begin with, I dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 399

In the second place, whenever I do dine there I am always treated as a member of the family, and sent down with either no woman at all, or two.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 400

In the third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next to, to-night.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 401

She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts with her own husband across the dinner-table.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 402

That is not very pleasant.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 403

Indeed, it is not even decent .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 404

.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 405

.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 406

and that sort of thing is enormously on the increase.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 407

The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 408

It looks so bad.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 409

It is simply washing one’s clean linen in public.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 410

Besides, now that I know you to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want to talk to you about Bunburying.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 411

I want to tell you the rules.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 412

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 413

I’m not a Bunburyist at all.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 414

If Gwendolen accepts me, I am going to kill my brother, indeed I think I’ll kill him in any case.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 415

Cecily is a little too much interested in him.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 416

It is rather a bore.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 417

So I am going to get rid of Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 418

And I strongly advise you to do the same with Mr. .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 419

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 420

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 421

with your invalid friend who has the absurd name.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 422

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 423

Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 424

A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 425

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 426

That is nonsense.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 427

If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen, and she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry, I certainly won’t want to know Bunbury.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 428

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 429

Then your wife will.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 430

You don’t seem to realise, that in married life three is company and two is none.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 431

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 432

[Sententiously.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 433

That, my dear young friend, is the theory that the corrupt French Drama has been propounding for the last fifty years.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 434

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 435

Yes; and that the happy English home has proved in half the time.
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 436

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 437

For heaven’s sake, don’t try to be cynical.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 438

It’s perfectly easy to be cynical.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 439

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 440

My dear fellow, it isn’t easy to be anything nowadays.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 441

There’s such a lot of beastly competition about.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 442

[The sound of an electric bell is heard].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 443

Ah!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 444

that must be Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 445

Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 446

Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so that you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine with you to-night at Willis’s?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 447

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 448

I suppose so, if you want to.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 449

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 450

Yes, but you must be serious about it.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 451

I hate people who are not serious about meals.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 452

It is so shallow of them.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 453

[Enter Lane].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 454

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 455

Lady Bracknell and Miss Fairfax.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 456

[Algernon goes forward to meet them.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 457

Enter Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen].
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 458

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 459

Good afternoon, dear Algernon, I hope you are behaving very well.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 460

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 461

I’m feeling very well, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 462

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 463

That’s not quite the same thing.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 464

In fact the two things rarely go together.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 465

[Sees Jack and bows to him with icy coldness].
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 466

Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 467

[To Gwendolen].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 468

Dear me, you are smart!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 469

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 470

I am always smart!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 471

Am I not, Mr. Worthing?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 472

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 473

You’re quite perfect, Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 474

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 475

Oh!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 476

I hope I am not that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 477

It would leave no room for developments, and I intend to develop in many directions.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 478

[Gwendolen and Jack sit down together in the corner].
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 479

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 480

I’m sorry if we are a little late, Algernon, but I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury.
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 481

I hadn’t been there since her poor husband’s death.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 482

I never saw a woman so altered; she looks quite twenty years younger.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 483

And now I’ll have a cup of tea, and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 484

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 485

Certainly, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 486

[Goes over to tea-table].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 487

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 488

Won’t you come and sit here, Gwendolen?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 489

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 490

Thanks, mamma, I’m quite comfortable where I am.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 491

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 492

[Picking up empty plate in horror].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 493

Good heavens!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 494

Lane!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 495

Why are there no cucumber sandwiches?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 496

I ordered them specially.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 497

Lane.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 498

[Gravely].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 499

There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 500

I went down twice.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 501

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 502

No cucumbers!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 503

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 504

No, sir.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 505

Not even for ready money.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 506

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 507

That will do, Lane, thank you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 508

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 509

Thank you, sir.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 510

[Goes out].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 511

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 512

I am greatly distressed, Aunt Augusta, about there being no cucumbers, not even for ready money.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 513

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 514

It really makes no matter, Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 515

I had some crumpets with Lady Harbury, who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 516

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 517

I hear her hair has turned quite gold from grief.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 518

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 519

It certainly has changed its colour.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 520

From what cause I, of course, cannot say.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 521

[Algernon crosses and hands tea].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 522

Thank you.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 523

I’ve quite a treat for you to-night, Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 524

I am going to send you down with Mary Farquhar.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 525

She is such a nice woman, and so attentive to her husband.
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 526

It’s delightful to watch them.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 527

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 528

I am afraid, Aunt Augusta, I shall have to give up the pleasure of dining with you to-night after all.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 529

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 530

[Frowning].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 531

I hope not, Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 532

It would put my table completely out.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 533

Your uncle would have to dine upstairs.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 534

Fortunately he is accustomed to that.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 535

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 536

It is a great bore, and, I need hardly say, a terrible disappointment to me, but the fact is I have just had a telegram to say that my poor friend Bunbury is very ill again.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 537

[Exchanges glances with Jack].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 538

They seem to think I should be with him.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 539

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 540

It is very strange.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 541

This Mr. Bunbury seems to suffer from curiously bad health.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 542

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 543

Yes; poor Bunbury is a dreadful invalid.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 544

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 545

Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 546

This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 547

Nor do I in any way approve of the modern sympathy with invalids.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 548

I consider it morbid.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 549

Illness of any kind is hardly a thing to be encouraged in others.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 550

Health is the primary duty of life.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 551

I am always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never seems to take much notice .
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 552

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 553

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 554

as far as any improvement in his ailment goes.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 555

I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 556

It is my last reception, and one wants something that will encourage conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 557

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 558

I’ll speak to Bunbury, Aunt Augusta, if he is still conscious, and I think I can promise you he’ll be all right by Saturday.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 559

Of course the music is a great difficulty.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 560

You see, if one plays good music, people don’t listen, and if one plays bad music people don’t talk.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 561

But I’ll run over the programme I’ve drawn out, if you will kindly come into the next room for a moment.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 562

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 563

Thank you, Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 564

It is very thoughtful of you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 565

[Rising, and following Algernon.]
5 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 566

I’m sure the programme will be delightful, after a few expurgations.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 567

French songs I cannot possibly allow.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 568

People always seem to think that they are improper, and either look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 569

But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 570

Gwendolen, you will accompany me.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 571

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 572

Certainly, mamma.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 573

[Lady Bracknell and Algernon go into the music-room, Gwendolen remains behind].
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 574

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 575

Charming day it has been, Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 576

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 577

Pray don’t talk to me about the weather, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 578

Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel quite certain that they mean something else.
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 579

And that makes me so nervous.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 580

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 581

I do mean something else.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 582

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 583

I thought so.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 584

In fact, I am never wrong.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 585

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 586

And I would like to be allowed to take advantage of Lady Bracknell’s temporary absence .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 587

.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 588

.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 589

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 590

I would certainly advise you to do so.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 591

Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a room that I have often had to speak to her about.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 592

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 593

[Nervously] Miss Fairfax, ever since I met you I have admired you more than any girl .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 594

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 595

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 596

I have ever met since .
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 597

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 598

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 599

I met you.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 600

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 601

Yes, I am quite well aware of the fact.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 602

And I often wish that in public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 603

For me you have always had an irresistible fascination.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 604

Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 605

[Jack looks at her in amazement].
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 606

We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 607

The fact is constantly mentioned in the more expensive monthly magazines, and has reached the provincial pulpits, I am told; and my ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 608

There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 609

The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 610

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 611

You really love me, Gwendolen?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 612

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 613

Passionately!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 614

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 615

Darling!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 616

You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 617

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 618

My own Ernest!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 619

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 620

But you don’t really mean to say that you couldn’t love me if my name wasn’t Ernest?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 621

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 622

But your name is Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 623

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 624

Yes, I know it is.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 625

But supposing it was something else?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 626

Do you mean to say you couldn’t love me then?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 627

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 628

[Glibly].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 629

Ah!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 630

that is clearly a metaphysical speculation, and like most metaphysical speculations has very little reference at all to the actual facts of real life, as we know them.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 631

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 632

Personally, darling, to speak quite candidly, I don’t much care about the name of Ernest .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 633

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 634

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 635

I don’t think the name suits me at all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 636

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 637

It suits you perfectly.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 638

It is a divine name.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 639

It has a music of its own.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 640

It produces vibrations.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 641

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 642

Well, really, Gwendolen, I must say that I think there are lots of other much nicer names.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 643

I think Jack, for instance, a charming name.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 644

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 645

Jack?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 646

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 647

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 648

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 649

No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 650

It does not thrill.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 651

It produces absolutely no vibrations .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 652

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 653

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 654

I have known several Jacks, and they all, without exception, were more than usually plain.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 655

Besides, Jack is a notorious domesticity for John!
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 656

And I pity any woman who is married to a man called John.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 657

She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 658

The only really safe name is Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 659

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 660

Gwendolen, I must get christened at once—I mean we must get married at once.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 661

There is no time to be lost.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 662

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 663

Married, Mr. Worthing?
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 664

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 665

[Astounded].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 666

Well .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 667

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 668

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 669

surely.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 670

You know that I love you, and you led me to believe, Miss Fairfax, that you were not absolutely indifferent to me.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 671

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 672

I adore you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 673

But you haven’t proposed to me yet.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 674

Nothing has been said at all about marriage.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 675

The subject has not even been touched on.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 676

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 677

Well .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 678

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 679

.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 680

may I propose to you now?
3 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 681

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 682

I think it would be an admirable opportunity.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 683

And to spare you any possible disappointment, Mr. Worthing, I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly before-hand that I am fully determined to accept you.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 684

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 685

Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 686

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 687

Yes, Mr. Worthing, what have you got to say to me?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 688

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 689

You know what I have got to say to you.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 690

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 691

Yes, but you don’t say it.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 692

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 693

Gwendolen, will you marry me?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 694

[Goes on his knees.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 695

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 696

Of course I will, darling.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 697

How long you have been about it!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 698

I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 699

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 700

My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 701

Gwendolen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 702

Yes, but men often propose for practice.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 703

I know my brother Gerald does.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 704

All my girl-friends tell me so.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 705

What wonderfully blue eyes you have, Ernest!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 706

They are quite, quite, blue.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 707

I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 708

[Enter Lady Bracknell].
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 709

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 710

Mr. Worthing!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 711

Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 712

It is most indecorous.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 713

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 714

Mamma!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 715

[He tries to rise; she restrains him].
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 716

I must beg you to retire.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 717

This is no place for you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 718

Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 719

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 720

Finished what, may I ask?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 721

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 722

I am engaged to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 723

[They rise together].
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 724

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 725

Pardon me, you are not engaged to any one.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 726

When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 727

An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 728

It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself .
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 729

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 730

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 731

And now I have a few questions to put to you, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 732

While I am making these inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will wait for me below in the carriage.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 733

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 734

[Reproachfully].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 735

Mamma!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 736

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 737

In the carriage, Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 738

[Gwendolen goes to the door.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 739

She and Jack blow kisses to each other behind Lady Bracknell’s back.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 740

Lady Bracknell looks vaguely about as if she could not understand what the noise was.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 741

Finally turns round].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 742

Gwendolen, the carriage!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 743

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 744

Yes, mamma.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 745

[Goes out, looking back at Jack].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 746

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 747

[Sitting down].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 748

You can take a seat, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 749

[Looks in her pocket for note-book and pencil].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 750

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 751

Thank you, Lady Bracknell, I prefer standing.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 752

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 753

[Pencil and note-book in hand].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 754

I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men, although I have the same list as the dear Duchess of Bolton has.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 755

We work together, in fact.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 756

However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother requires.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 757

Do you smoke?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 758

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 759

Well, yes, I must admit I smoke.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 760

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 761

I am glad to hear it.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 762

A man should always have an occupation of some kind.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 763

There are far too many idle men in London as it is.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 764

How old are you?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 765

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 766

Twenty-nine.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 767

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 768

A very good age to be married at.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 769

I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 770

Which do you know?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 771

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 772

[After some hesitation].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 773

I know nothing, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 774

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 775

I am pleased to hear it.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 776

I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 777

Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 778

The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 779

Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 780

If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 781

What is your income?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 782

Jack.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 783

Between seven and eight thousand a year.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 784

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 785

[Makes a note in her book].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 786

In land, or in investments?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 787

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 788

In investments, chiefly.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 789

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 790

That is satisfactory.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 791

What between the duties expected of one during one’s lifetime, and the duties exacted from one after one’s death, land has ceased to be either a profit or a pleasure.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 792

It gives one position, and prevents one from keeping it up.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 793

That’s all that can be said about land.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 794

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 795

I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe; but I don’t depend on that for my real income.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 796

In fact, as far as I can make out, the poachers are the only people who make anything out of it.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 797

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 798

A country house!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 799

How many bedrooms?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 800

Well, that point can be cleared up afterwards.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 801

You have a town house, I hope?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 802

A girl with a simple, unspoiled nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the country.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 803

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 804

Well, I own a house in Belgrave Square, but it is let by the year to Lady Bloxham.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 805

Of course, I can get it back whenever I like, at six months’ notice.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 806

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 807

Lady Bloxham?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 808

I don’t know her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 809

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 810

Oh, she goes about very little.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 811

She is a lady considerably advanced in years.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 812

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 813

Ah, nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability of character.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 814

What number in Belgrave Square?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 815

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 816

149.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 817

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 818

[Shaking her head].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 819

The unfashionable side.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 820

I thought there was something.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 821

However, that could easily be altered.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 822

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 823

Do you mean the fashion, or the side?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 824

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 825

[Sternly].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 826

Both, if necessary, I presume.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 827

What are your politics?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 828

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 829

Well, I am afraid I really have none.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 830

I am a Liberal Unionist.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 831

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 832

Oh, they count as Tories.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 833

They dine with us.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 834

Or come in the evening, at any rate.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 835

Now to minor matters.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 836

Are your parents living?
2 Translations, 7 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 837

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 838

I have lost both my parents.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 839

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 840

To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 841

Who was your father?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 842

He was evidently a man of some wealth.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 843

Was he born in what the Radical papers call the purple of commerce, or did he rise from the ranks of the aristocracy?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 844

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 845

I am afraid I really don’t know.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 846

The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 847

It would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have lost me .
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 848

.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 849

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 850

I don’t actually know who I am by birth.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 851

I was .
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 852

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 853

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 854

well, I was found.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 855

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 856

Found!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 857

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 858

The late Mr. Thomas Cardew, an old gentleman of a very charitable and kindly disposition, found me, and gave me the name of Worthing, because he happened to have a first-class ticket for Worthing in his pocket at the time.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 859

Worthing is a place in Sussex.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 860

It is a seaside resort.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 861

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 862

Where did the charitable gentleman who had a first-class ticket for this seaside resort find you?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 863

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 864

[Gravely].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 865

In a hand-bag.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 866

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 867

A hand-bag?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 868

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 869

[Very seriously].
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 870

Yes, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 871

I was in a hand-bag—a somewhat large, black leather hand-bag, with handles to it—an ordinary hand-bag in fact.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 872

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 873

In what locality did this Mr. James, or Thomas, Cardew come across this ordinary hand-bag?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 874

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 875

In the cloak-room at Victoria Station.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 876

It was given to him in mistake for his own.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 877

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 878

The cloak-room at Victoria Station?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 879

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 880

Yes.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 881

The Brighton line.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 882

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 883

The line is immaterial.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 884

Mr. Worthing, I confess I feel somewhat bewildered by what you have just told me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 885

To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst excesses of the French Revolution.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 886

And I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 887

As for the particular locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion—has probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now—but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a recognised position in good society.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 888

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 889

May I ask you then what you would advise me to do?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 890

I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’s happiness.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 891

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 892

I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 893

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 894

Well, I don’t see how I could possibly manage to do that.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 895

I can produce the hand-bag at any moment.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 896

It is in my dressing-room at home.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 897

I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 898

Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 899

Me, sir!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 900

What has it to do with me?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 901

You can hardly imagine that I and Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter—a girl brought up with the utmost care—to marry into a cloak-room, and form an alliance with a parcel?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 902

Good morning, Mr. Worthing!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 903

[Lady Bracknell sweeps out in majestic indignation].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 904

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 905

Good morning!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 906

[Algernon, from the other room, strikes up the Wedding March.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 907

Jack looks perfectly furious, and goes to the door].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 908

For goodness’ sake don’t play that ghastly tune, Algy.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 909

How idiotic you are!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 910

[The music stops and Algernon enters cheerily].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 911

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 912

Didn’t it go off all right, old boy?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 913

You don’t mean to say Gwendolen refused you?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 914

I know it is a way she has.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 915

She is always refusing people.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 916

I think it is most ill-natured of her.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 917

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 918

Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 919

As far as she is concerned, we are engaged.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 920

Her mother is perfectly unbearable.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 921

Never met such a Gorgon .
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 922

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 923

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 924

I don’t really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 925

In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair .
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 926

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 927

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 928

I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn’t talk about your own aunt in that way before you.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 929

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 930

My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 931

It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 932

Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 933

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 934

Oh, that is nonsense!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 935

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 936

It isn’t!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 937

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 938

Well, I won’t argue about the matter.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 939

You always want to argue about things.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 940

Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 941

That is exactly what things were originally made for.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 942

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 943

Upon my word, if I thought that, I’d shoot myself .
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 944

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 945

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 946

[A pause].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 947

You don’t think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years, do you, Algy?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 948

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 949

All women become like their mothers.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 950

That is their tragedy.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 951

No man does.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 952

That’s his.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 953

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 954

Is that clever?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 955

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 956

It is perfectly phrased!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 957

and quite as true as any observation in civilised life should be.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 958

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 959

I am sick to death of cleverness.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 960

Everybody is clever nowadays.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 961

You can’t go anywhere without meeting clever people.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 962

The thing has become an absolute public nuisance.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 963

I wish to goodness we had a few fools left.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 964

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 965

We have.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 966

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 967

I should extremely like to meet them.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 968

What do they talk about?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 969

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 970

The fools?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 971

Oh!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 972

about the clever people, of course.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 973

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 974

What fools!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 975

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 976

By the way, did you tell Gwendolen the truth about your being Ernest in town, and Jack in the country?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 977

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 978

[In a very patronising manner].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 979

My dear fellow, the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 980

What extraordinary ideas you have about the way to behave to a woman!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 981

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 982

The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she is pretty, and to some one else, if she is plain.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 983

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 984

Oh, that is nonsense.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 985

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 986

What about your brother?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 987

What about the profligate Ernest?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 988

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 989

Oh, before the end of the week I shall have got rid of him.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 990

I’ll say he died in Paris of apoplexy.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 991

Lots of people die of apoplexy, quite suddenly, don’t they?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 992

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 993

Yes, but it’s hereditary, my dear fellow.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 994

It’s a sort of thing that runs in families.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 995

You had much better say a severe chill.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 996

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 997

You are sure a severe chill isn’t hereditary, or anything of that kind?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 998

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 999

Of course it isn’t!
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1000

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1001

Very well, then.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1002

My poor brother Ernest to carried off suddenly, in Paris, by a severe chill.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1003

That gets rid of him.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1004

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1005

But I thought you said that .
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1006

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1007

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1008

Miss Cardew was a little too much interested in your poor brother Ernest?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1009

Won’t she feel his loss a good deal?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1010

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1011

Oh, that is all right.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1012

Cecily is not a silly romantic girl, I am glad to say.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1013

She has got a capital appetite, goes long walks, and pays no attention at all to her lessons.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1014

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1015

I would rather like to see Cecily.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1016

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1017

I will take very good care you never do.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1018

She is excessively pretty, and she is only just eighteen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1019

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1020

Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who is only just eighteen?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1021

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1022

Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1023

one doesn’t blurt these things out to people.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1024

Cecily and Gwendolen are perfectly certain to be extremely great friends.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1025

I’ll bet you anything you like that half an hour after they have met, they will be calling each other sister.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1026

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1027

Women only do that when they have called each other a lot of other things first.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1028

Now, my dear boy, if we want to get a good table at Willis’s, we really must go and dress.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1029

Do you know it is nearly seven?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1030

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1031

[Irritably].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1032

Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1033

It always is nearly seven.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1034

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1035

Well, I’m hungry.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1036

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1037

I never knew you when you weren’t .
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1038

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1039

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1040

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1041

What shall we do after dinner?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1042

Go to a theatre?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1043

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1044

Oh no!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1045

I loathe listening.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1046

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1047

Well, let us go to the Club?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1048

Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1049

Oh, no!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1050

I hate talking.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1051

Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1052

Well, we might trot round to the Empire at ten?
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1053

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1054

Oh, no!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1055

I can’t bear looking at things.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1056

It is so silly.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1057

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1058

Well, what shall we do?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1059

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1060

Nothing!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1061

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1062

It is awfully hard work doing nothing.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1063

However, I don’t mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1064

[Enter Lane].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1065

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1066

Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1067

[Enter Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1068

Lane goes out].
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1069

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1070

Gwendolen, upon my word!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1071

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1072

Algy, kindly turn your back.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1073

I have something very particular to say to Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1074

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1075

Really, Gwendolen, I don’t think I can allow this at all.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1076

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1077

Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral attitude towards life.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1078

You are not quite old enough to do that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1079

[Algernon retires to the fireplace].
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1080

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1081

My own darling!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1082

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1083

Ernest, we may never be married.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1084

From the expression on mamma’s face I fear we never shall.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1085

Few parents nowadays pay any regard to what their children say to them.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1086

The old-fashioned respect for the young is fast dying out.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1087

Whatever influence I ever had over mamma, I lost at the age of three.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1088

But although she may prevent us from becoming man and wife, and I may marry some one else, and marry often, nothing that she can possibly do can alter my eternal devotion to you.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1089

Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1090

Dear Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1091

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1092

The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1093

Your Christian name has an irresistible fascination.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1094

The simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1095

Your town address at the Albany I have.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1096

What is your address in the country?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1097

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1098

The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1099

[Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and writes the address on his shirt-cuff.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1100

Then picks up the Railway Guide].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1101

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1102

There is a good postal service, I suppose?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1103

It may be necessary to do something desperate.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1104

That of course will require serious consideration.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1105

I will communicate with you daily.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1106

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1107

My own one!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1108

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1109

How long do you remain in town?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1110

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1111

Till Monday.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1112

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1113

Good!
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1114

Algy, you may turn round now.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1115

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1116

Thanks, I’ve turned round already.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1117

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1118

You may also ring the bell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1119

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1120

You will let me see you to your carriage, my own darling?
3 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1121

Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1122

Certainly.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1123

Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1124

[To Lane, who now enters].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1125

I will see Miss Fairfax out.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1126

Lane.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1127

Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1128

[Jack and Gwendolen go off].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1129

[Lane presents several letters on a salver to Algernon.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1130

It is to be surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the envelopes, tears them up].
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1131

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1132

A glass of sherry, Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1133

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1134

Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1135

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1136

To-morrow, Lane, I’m going Bunburying.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1137

Lane.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1138

Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1139

Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1140

I shall probably not be back till Monday.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1141

You can put up my dress clothes, my smoking jacket, and all the Bunbury suits .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1142

.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1143

.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1144

Lane.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1145

Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1146

[Handing sherry].
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1147

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1148

I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1149

Lane.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1150

It never is, sir.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1151

Algernon.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

Translate

unit 1152

Lane, you’re a perfect pessimist.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 1153

Lane.
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I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.
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[Enter Jack.
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Lane goes off].
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Jack.
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There’s a sensible, intellectual girl!
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the only girl I ever cared for in my life.
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[Algernon is laughing immoderately].
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What on earth are you so amused at?
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Algernon.
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Oh, I’m a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all.
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Jack.
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If you don’t take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day.
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Algernon.
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I love scrapes.
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They are the only things that are never serious.
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Jack.
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Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy.
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You never talk anything but nonsense.
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Algernon.
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Nobody ever does.
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[Jack looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room.
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unit 1175

Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles].
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unit 1176

ACT DROP.
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The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar
Wilde.

Publisher's preface.

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org.

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.

Author: Oscar Wilde.

Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].

Language: English.

Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.

Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.

The Importance of Being Earnest
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY.

John Worthing, JP.
Algernon Moncrieff.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, DD.
Merriman, Butler.
Lane, Manservant.
Lady Bracknell.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax.
Cecily Cardew.
Miss Prism, Governess.

THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.

ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W.

ACT II. The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.

ACT III. Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.

TIME: The Present.

LONDON: ST. JAMES’S THEATRE
Lessee and Manager: Mr. George Alexander.
February 14th, 1895.
* * * * *
John Worthing, JP: Mr. George Alexander.
Algernon Moncrieff: Mr. Allen Aynesworth.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, DD: Mr. HH Vincent.
Merriman: Mr. Frank Dyall.
Lane: Mr. F. Kinsey Peile.
Lady Bracknell: Miss Rose Leclercq.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax: Miss Irene Vanbrugh.
Cecily Cardew: Miss Evelyn Millard.
Miss Prism: Mrs. George Canninge.

FIRST ACT.

SCENE: Morning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street. The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room.

[Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, Algernon enters].

Algernon. Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?

Lane. I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir.

Algernon. I’m sorry for that, for your sake. I don’t play accurately—any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. I keep science for Life.

Lane. Yes, sir.

Algernon. And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?

Lane. Yes, sir. [Hands them on a salver].

Algernon. [Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on the sofa]. Oh! . . . by the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed.

Lane. Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint.
Algernon. Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne? I ask merely for information.

Lane. I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir. I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand.

Algernon. Good heavens! Is marriage so demoralising as that?

Lane. I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. I have only been married once. That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person.

Algernon. [Languidly]. I don’t know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane.

Lane. No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself.

Algernon. Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you.

Lane. Thank you, sir. [Lane goes out].
Algernon. Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.

[Enter Lane].

Lane. Mr. Ernest Worthing.

[Enter Jack].

[Lane goes out].

Algernon. How are you, my dear Ernest? What brings you up to town?

Jack. Oh, pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring one anywhere?

Eating as usual, I see, Algy!

Algernon. [Stiffly]. I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o’clock. Where have you been since last Thursday?

Jack. [Sitting down on the sofa]. In the country.

Algernon. What on earth do you do there?

Jack. [Pulling off his gloves]. When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring.

Algernon. And who are the people you amuse?

Jack. [Airily]. Oh, neighbours, neighbours.

Algernon. Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire?

Jack. Perfectly horrid! Never speak to one of them.

Algernon. How immensely you must amuse them! [Goes over and takes sandwich]. By the way, Shropshire is your county, is it not?

Jack. Eh? Shropshire? Yes, of course. Hallo! Why all these cups? Why cucumber sandwiches? Why such reckless extravagance in one so young? Who is coming to tea?

Algernon. Oh! merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen.

Jack. How perfectly delightful!

Algernon. Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won’t quite approve of your being here.

Jack. May I ask why?

Algernon. My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.

Jack. I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.

Algernon. I thought you had come up for pleasure? . . . I call that business.

Jack. How utterly unromantic you are!

Algernon. I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.

Jack. I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted.

Algernon. Oh! there is no use speculating on that subject. Divorces are made in Heaven—[Jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich. Algernon at once interferes]. Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta. [Takes one and eats it].

Jack. Well, you have been eating them all the time.

Algernon. That is quite a different matter. She is my aunt. [Takes plate from below]. Have some bread and butter. The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. Gwendolen is devoted to bread and butter.

Jack. [Advancing to table and helping himself]. And very good bread and butter it is too.

Algernon. Well, my dear fellow, you need not eat as if you were going to eat it all. You behave as if you were married to her already. You are not married to her already, and I don’t think you ever will be.

Jack. Why on earth do you say that?

Algernon. Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with. Girls don’t think it right.

Jack. Oh, that is nonsense!

Algernon. It isn’t. It is a great truth. It accounts for the extraordinary number of bachelors that one sees all over the place. In the second place, I don’t give my consent.

Jack. Your consent!

Algernon. My dear fellow, Gwendolen is my first cousin. And before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole question of Cecily. [Rings bell].

Jack. Cecily! What on earth do you mean? What do you mean, Algy, by Cecily! I don’t know any one of the name of Cecily.

[Enter Lane].

Algernon. Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the smoking-room the last time he dined here.

Lane. Yes, sir. [Lane goes out].

Jack. Do you mean to say you have had my cigarette case all this time? I wish to goodness you had let me know. I have been writing frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it. I was very nearly offering a large reward.

Algernon. Well, I wish you would offer one. I happen to be more than usually hard up.

Jack. There is no good offering a large reward now that the thing is found.

[Enter Lane with the cigarette case on a salver. Algernon takes it at once. Lane goes out].

Algernon. I think that is rather mean of you, Ernest, I must say. [Opens case and examines it]. However, it makes no matter, for, now that I look at the inscription inside, I find that the thing isn’t yours after all.

Jack. Of course it’s mine. [Moving to him.] You have seen me with it a hundred times, and you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside. It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case.

Algernon. Oh! it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn’t. More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.

Jack. I am quite aware of the fact, and I don’t propose to discuss modern culture. It isn’t the sort of thing one should talk of in private. I simply want my cigarette case back.

Algernon. Yes; but this isn’t your cigarette case. This cigarette case is a present from some one of the name of Cecily, and you said you didn’t know any one of that name.

Jack. Well, if you want to know, Cecily happens to be my aunt.

Algernon. Your aunt!

Jack. Yes. Charming old lady she is, too. Lives at Tunbridge Wells. Just give it back to me, Algy.

Algernon. [Retreating to back of sofa.] But why does she call herself little Cecily if she is your aunt and lives at Tunbridge Wells? [Reading]. ‘From little Cecily with her fondest love.’

Jack. [Moving to sofa and kneeling upon it]. My dear fellow, what on earth is there in that? Some aunts are tall, some aunts are not tall. That is a matter that surely an aunt may be allowed to decide for herself. You seem to think that every aunt should be exactly like your aunt! That is absurd! For Heaven’s sake give me back my cigarette case. [Follows Algernon round the room].

Algernon. Yes. But why does your aunt call you her uncle? ‘From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack.’ There is no objection, I admit, to an aunt being a small aunt, but why an aunt, no matter what her size may be, should call her own nephew her uncle, I can’t quite make out. Besides, your name isn’t Jack at all; it is Ernest.

Jack. It isn’t Ernest; it’s Jack.

Algernon. You have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to every one as Ernest. You answer to the name of Ernest. You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn’t Ernest. It’s on your cards. Here is one of them. [Taking it from case]. ‘Mr. Ernest Worthing, B. 4, The Albany.’ I’ll keep this as a proof that your name is Ernest if ever you attempt to deny it to me, or to Gwendolen, or to any one else. [Puts the card in his pocket].

Jack. Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country, and the cigarette case was given to me in the country.

Algernon. Yes, but that does not account for the fact that your small Aunt Cecily, who lives at Tunbridge Wells, calls you her dear uncle. Come, old boy, you had much better have the thing out at once.

Jack. My dear Algy, you talk exactly as if you were a dentist. It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist. It produces a false impression.

Algernon. Well, that is exactly what dentists always do. Now, go on! Tell me the whole thing. I may mention that I have always suspected you of being a confirmed and secret Bunburyist; and I am quite sure of it now.

Jack. Bunburyist? What on earth do you mean by a Bunburyist?

Algernon. I’ll reveal to you the meaning of that incomparable expression as soon as you are kind enough to inform me why you are Ernest in town and Jack in the country.

Jack. Well, produce my cigarette case first.

Algernon. Here it is. [Hands cigarette case]. Now produce your explanation, and pray make it improbable. [Sits on sofa].

Jack. My dear fellow, there is nothing improbable about my explanation at all. In fact it’s perfectly ordinary. Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss Cecily Cardew. Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism.

Algernon. Where is that place in the country, by the way?

Jack. That is nothing to you, dear boy. You are not going to be invited . . . I may tell you candidly that the place is not in Shropshire.

Algernon. I suspected that, my dear fellow! I have Bunburyed all over Shropshire on two separate occasions. Now, go on. Why are you Ernest in town and Jack in the country?

Jack. My dear Algy, I don’t know whether you will be able to understand my real motives. You are hardly serious enough. When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects. It’s one’s duty to do so. And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce very much to either one’s health or one’s happiness, in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes. That, my dear Algy, is the whole truth pure and simple.

Algernon. The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!

Jack. That wouldn’t be at all a bad thing.

Algernon. Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. Don’t try it. You should leave that to people who haven’t been at a University. They do it so well in the daily papers. What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.

Jack. What on earth do you mean?

Algernon. You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.

Jack. I haven’t asked you to dine with me anywhere to-night.

Algernon. I know. You are absurdly careless about sending out invitations. It is very foolish of you. Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations.

Jack. You had much better dine with your Aunt Augusta.

Algernon. I haven’t the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind. To begin with, I dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations. In the second place, whenever I do dine there I am always treated as a member of the family, and sent down with either no woman at all, or two. In the third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next to, to-night. She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts with her own husband across the dinner-table. That is not very pleasant. Indeed, it is not even decent . . . and that sort of thing is enormously on the increase. The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous. It looks so bad. It is simply washing one’s clean linen in public. Besides, now that I know you to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want to talk to you about Bunburying. I want to tell you the rules.

Jack. I’m not a Bunburyist at all. If Gwendolen accepts me, I am going to kill my brother, indeed I think I’ll kill him in any case. Cecily is a little too much interested in him. It is rather a bore. So I am going to get rid of Ernest. And I strongly advise you to do the same with Mr. . . . with your invalid friend who has the absurd name.

Algernon. Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.

Jack. That is nonsense. If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen, and she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry, I certainly won’t want to know Bunbury.

Algernon. Then your wife will. You don’t seem to realise, that in married life three is company and two is none.

Jack. [Sententiously.] That, my dear young friend, is the theory that the corrupt French Drama has been propounding for the last fifty years.

Algernon. Yes; and that the happy English home has proved in half the time.

Jack. For heaven’s sake, don’t try to be cynical. It’s perfectly easy to be cynical.

Algernon. My dear fellow, it isn’t easy to be anything nowadays. There’s such a lot of beastly competition about. [The sound of an electric bell is heard]. Ah! that must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner. Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so that you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine with you to-night at Willis’s?

Jack. I suppose so, if you want to.

Algernon. Yes, but you must be serious about it. I hate people who are not serious about meals. It is so shallow of them.

[Enter Lane].

Lane. Lady Bracknell and Miss Fairfax.
[Algernon goes forward to meet them. Enter Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen].

Lady Bracknell. Good afternoon, dear Algernon, I hope you are behaving very well.

Algernon. I’m feeling very well, Aunt Augusta.

Lady Bracknell. That’s not quite the same thing. In fact the two things rarely go together. [Sees Jack and bows to him with icy coldness].
Algernon. [To Gwendolen]. Dear me, you are smart!

Gwendolen. I am always smart! Am I not, Mr. Worthing?

Jack. You’re quite perfect, Miss Fairfax.

Gwendolen. Oh! I hope I am not that. It would leave no room for developments, and I intend to develop in many directions. [Gwendolen and Jack sit down together in the corner].

Lady Bracknell. I’m sorry if we are a little late, Algernon, but I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury. I hadn’t been there since her poor husband’s death. I never saw a woman so altered; she looks quite twenty years younger. And now I’ll have a cup of tea, and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me.

Algernon. Certainly, Aunt Augusta. [Goes over to tea-table].

Lady Bracknell. Won’t you come and sit here, Gwendolen?

Gwendolen. Thanks, mamma, I’m quite comfortable where I am.

Algernon. [Picking up empty plate in horror]. Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? I ordered them specially.

Lane. [Gravely]. There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. I went down twice.

Algernon. No cucumbers!

Lane. No, sir. Not even for ready money.

Algernon. That will do, Lane, thank you.

Lane. Thank you, sir. [Goes out].

Algernon. I am greatly distressed, Aunt Augusta, about there being no cucumbers, not even for ready money.

Lady Bracknell. It really makes no matter, Algernon. I had some crumpets with Lady Harbury, who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.

Algernon. I hear her hair has turned quite gold from grief.

Lady Bracknell. It certainly has changed its colour. From what cause I, of course, cannot say. [Algernon crosses and hands tea]. Thank you. I’ve quite a treat for you to-night, Algernon. I am going to send you down with Mary Farquhar. She is such a nice woman, and so attentive to her husband. It’s delightful to watch them.

Algernon. I am afraid, Aunt Augusta, I shall have to give up the pleasure of dining with you to-night after all.

Lady Bracknell. [Frowning]. I hope not, Algernon. It would put my table completely out. Your uncle would have to dine upstairs. Fortunately he is accustomed to that.

Algernon. It is a great bore, and, I need hardly say, a terrible disappointment to me, but the fact is I have just had a telegram to say that my poor friend Bunbury is very ill again. [Exchanges glances with Jack]. They seem to think I should be with him.

Lady Bracknell. It is very strange. This Mr. Bunbury seems to suffer from curiously bad health.

Algernon. Yes; poor Bunbury is a dreadful invalid.

Lady Bracknell. Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. Nor do I in any way approve of the modern sympathy with invalids. I consider it morbid. Illness of any kind is hardly a thing to be encouraged in others. Health is the primary duty of life. I am always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never seems to take much notice . . . as far as any improvement in his ailment goes. I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me. It is my last reception, and one wants something that will encourage conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much.

Algernon. I’ll speak to Bunbury, Aunt Augusta, if he is still conscious, and I think I can promise you he’ll be all right by Saturday. Of course the music is a great difficulty. You see, if one plays good music, people don’t listen, and if one plays bad music people don’t talk. But I’ll run over the programme I’ve drawn out, if you will kindly come into the next room for a moment.

Lady Bracknell. Thank you, Algernon. It is very thoughtful of you. [Rising, and following Algernon.] I’m sure the programme will be delightful, after a few expurgations. French songs I cannot possibly allow. People always seem to think that they are improper, and either look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse. But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so. Gwendolen, you will accompany me.

Gwendolen. Certainly, mamma.
[Lady Bracknell and Algernon go into the music-room, Gwendolen remains behind].

Jack. Charming day it has been, Miss Fairfax.

Gwendolen. Pray don’t talk to me about the weather, Mr. Worthing. Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel quite certain that they mean something else. And that makes me so nervous.

Jack. I do mean something else.
Gwendolen. I thought so. In fact, I am never wrong.

Jack. And I would like to be allowed to take advantage of Lady Bracknell’s temporary absence . . .

Gwendolen. I would certainly advise you to do so. Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a room that I have often had to speak to her about.

Jack. [Nervously] Miss Fairfax, ever since I met you I have admired you more than any girl . . . I have ever met since . . . I met you.

Gwendolen. Yes, I am quite well aware of the fact. And I often wish that in public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative. For me you have always had an irresistible fascination. Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you. [Jack looks at her in amazement]. We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals. The fact is constantly mentioned in the more expensive monthly magazines, and has reached the provincial pulpits, I am told; and my ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest. There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence. The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.

Jack. You really love me, Gwendolen?

Gwendolen. Passionately!

Jack. Darling! You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.

Gwendolen. My own Ernest!

Jack. But you don’t really mean to say that you couldn’t love me if my name wasn’t Ernest?

Gwendolen. But your name is Ernest.

Jack. Yes, I know it is. But supposing it was something else? Do you mean to say you couldn’t love me then?

Gwendolen. [Glibly]. Ah! that is clearly a metaphysical speculation, and like most metaphysical speculations has very little reference at all to the actual facts of real life, as we know them.

Jack. Personally, darling, to speak quite candidly, I don’t much care about the name of Ernest . . . I don’t think the name suits me at all.

Gwendolen. It suits you perfectly. It is a divine name. It has a music of its own. It produces vibrations.

Jack. Well, really, Gwendolen, I must say that I think there are lots of other much nicer names. I think Jack, for instance, a charming name.

Gwendolen. Jack? . . . No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no vibrations . . . I have known several Jacks, and they all, without exception, were more than usually plain. Besides, Jack is a notorious domesticity for John! And I pity any woman who is married to a man called John. She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude. The only really safe name is Ernest.

Jack. Gwendolen, I must get christened at once—I mean we must get married at once. There is no time to be lost.

Gwendolen. Married, Mr. Worthing?

Jack. [Astounded]. Well . . . surely. You know that I love you, and you led me to believe, Miss Fairfax, that you were not absolutely indifferent to me.

Gwendolen. I adore you. But you haven’t proposed to me yet. Nothing has been said at all about marriage. The subject has not even been touched on.

Jack. Well . . . may I propose to you now?

Gwendolen. I think it would be an admirable opportunity. And to spare you any possible disappointment, Mr. Worthing, I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly before-hand that I am fully determined to accept you.

Jack. Gwendolen!

Gwendolen. Yes, Mr. Worthing, what have you got to say to me?

Jack. You know what I have got to say to you.

Gwendolen. Yes, but you don’t say it.
Jack. Gwendolen, will you marry me? [Goes on his knees.]

Gwendolen. Of course I will, darling. How long you have been about it! I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose.

Jack. My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you.

Gwendolen. Yes, but men often propose for practice. I know my brother Gerald does. All my girl-friends tell me so. What wonderfully blue eyes you have, Ernest! They are quite, quite, blue. I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present. [Enter Lady Bracknell].

Lady Bracknell. Mr. Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous.

Gwendolen. Mamma! [He tries to rise; she restrains him]. I must beg you to retire. This is no place for you. Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.

Lady Bracknell. Finished what, may I ask?

Gwendolen. I am engaged to Mr. Worthing, mamma. [They rise together].

Lady Bracknell. Pardon me, you are not engaged to any one. When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself . . . And now I have a few questions to put to you, Mr. Worthing. While I am making these inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will wait for me below in the carriage.

Gwendolen. [Reproachfully]. Mamma!

Lady Bracknell. In the carriage, Gwendolen! [Gwendolen goes to the door. She and Jack blow kisses to each other behind Lady Bracknell’s back. Lady Bracknell looks vaguely about as if she could not understand what the noise was. Finally turns round]. Gwendolen, the carriage!
Gwendolen. Yes, mamma. [Goes out, looking back at Jack].

Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down]. You can take a seat, Mr. Worthing.

[Looks in her pocket for note-book and pencil].

Jack. Thank you, Lady Bracknell, I prefer standing.

Lady Bracknell. [Pencil and note-book in hand]. I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men, although I have the same list as the dear Duchess of Bolton has. We work together, in fact. However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother requires. Do you smoke?

Jack. Well, yes, I must admit I smoke.
Lady Bracknell. I am glad to hear it. A man should always have an occupation of some kind. There are far too many idle men in London as it is. How old are you?

Jack. Twenty-nine.

Lady Bracknell. A very good age to be married at. I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know?

Jack. [After some hesitation]. I know nothing, Lady Bracknell.

Lady Bracknell. I am pleased to hear it. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square. What is your income?

Jack. Between seven and eight thousand a year.

Lady Bracknell. [Makes a note in her book]. In land, or in investments?

Jack. In investments, chiefly.

Lady Bracknell. That is satisfactory. What between the duties expected of one during one’s lifetime, and the duties exacted from one after one’s death, land has ceased to be either a profit or a pleasure. It gives one position, and prevents one from keeping it up. That’s all that can be said about land.

Jack. I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe; but I don’t depend on that for my real income. In fact, as far as I can make out, the poachers are the only people who make anything out of it.

Lady Bracknell. A country house! How many bedrooms? Well, that point can be cleared up afterwards. You have a town house, I hope? A girl with a simple, unspoiled nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the country.

Jack. Well, I own a house in Belgrave Square, but it is let by the year to Lady Bloxham. Of course, I can get it back whenever I like, at six months’ notice.

Lady Bracknell. Lady Bloxham? I don’t know her.

Jack. Oh, she goes about very little. She is a lady considerably advanced in years.

Lady Bracknell. Ah, nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability of character. What number in Belgrave Square?

Jack. 149.

Lady Bracknell. [Shaking her head]. The unfashionable side. I thought there was something. However, that could easily be altered.

Jack. Do you mean the fashion, or the side?

Lady Bracknell. [Sternly]. Both, if necessary, I presume. What are your politics?

Jack. Well, I am afraid I really have none. I am a Liberal Unionist.

Lady Bracknell. Oh, they count as Tories. They dine with us. Or come in the evening, at any rate. Now to minor matters. Are your parents living?

Jack. I have lost both my parents.

Lady Bracknell. To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. Who was your father? He was evidently a man of some wealth. Was he born in what the Radical papers call the purple of commerce, or did he rise from the ranks of the aristocracy?

Jack. I am afraid I really don’t know. The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents. It would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have lost me . . . I don’t actually know who I am by birth. I was . . . well, I was found.

Lady Bracknell. Found!

Jack. The late Mr. Thomas Cardew, an old gentleman of a very charitable and kindly disposition, found me, and gave me the name of Worthing, because he happened to have a first-class ticket for Worthing in his pocket at the time. Worthing is a place in Sussex. It is a seaside resort.

Lady Bracknell. Where did the charitable gentleman who had a first-class ticket for this seaside resort find you?

Jack. [Gravely]. In a hand-bag.

Lady Bracknell. A hand-bag?

Jack. [Very seriously]. Yes, Lady Bracknell. I was in a hand-bag—a somewhat large, black leather hand-bag, with handles to it—an ordinary hand-bag in fact.

Lady Bracknell. In what locality did this Mr. James, or Thomas, Cardew come across this ordinary hand-bag?

Jack. In the cloak-room at Victoria Station. It was given to him in mistake for his own.

Lady Bracknell. The cloak-room at Victoria Station?

Jack. Yes. The Brighton line.

Lady Bracknell. The line is immaterial. Mr. Worthing, I confess I feel somewhat bewildered by what you have just told me. To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst excesses of the French Revolution. And I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to? As for the particular locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion—has probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now—but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a recognised position in good society.

Jack. May I ask you then what you would advise me to do? I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen’s happiness.

Lady Bracknell. I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite over.

Jack. Well, I don’t see how I could possibly manage to do that. I can produce the hand-bag at any moment. It is in my dressing-room at home. I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell.

Lady Bracknell. Me, sir! What has it to do with me? You can hardly imagine that I and Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter—a girl brought up with the utmost care—to marry into a cloak-room, and form an alliance with a parcel? Good morning, Mr. Worthing!

[Lady Bracknell sweeps out in majestic indignation].

Jack. Good morning! [Algernon, from the other room, strikes up the Wedding March. Jack looks perfectly furious, and goes to the door]. For goodness’ sake don’t play that ghastly tune, Algy. How idiotic you are!

[The music stops and Algernon enters cheerily].

Algernon. Didn’t it go off all right, old boy? You don’t mean to say Gwendolen refused you? I know it is a way she has. She is always refusing people. I think it is most ill-natured of her.

Jack. Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. As far as she is concerned, we are engaged. Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a Gorgon . . . I don’t really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair . . . I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn’t talk about your own aunt in that way before you.

Algernon. My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.

Jack. Oh, that is nonsense!

Algernon. It isn’t!

Jack. Well, I won’t argue about the matter. You always want to argue about things.

Algernon. That is exactly what things were originally made for.

Jack. Upon my word, if I thought that, I’d shoot myself . . . [A pause]. You don’t think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years, do you, Algy?

Algernon. All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.

Jack. Is that clever?

Algernon. It is perfectly phrased! and quite as true as any observation in civilised life should be.

Jack. I am sick to death of cleverness. Everybody is clever nowadays. You can’t go anywhere without meeting clever people. The thing has become an absolute public nuisance. I wish to goodness we had a few fools left.

Algernon. We have.

Jack. I should extremely like to meet them. What do they talk about?

Algernon. The fools? Oh! about the clever people, of course.

Jack. What fools!

Algernon. By the way, did you tell Gwendolen the truth about your being Ernest in town, and Jack in the country?

Jack. [In a very patronising manner]. My dear fellow, the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl. What extraordinary ideas you have about the way to behave to a woman!

Algernon. The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she is pretty, and to some one else, if she is plain.

Jack. Oh, that is nonsense.

Algernon. What about your brother? What about the profligate Ernest?

Jack. Oh, before the end of the week I shall have got rid of him. I’ll say he died in Paris of apoplexy. Lots of people die of apoplexy, quite suddenly, don’t they?

Algernon. Yes, but it’s hereditary, my dear fellow. It’s a sort of thing that runs in families. You had much better say a severe chill.

Jack. You are sure a severe chill isn’t hereditary, or anything of that kind?

Algernon. Of course it isn’t!

Jack. Very well, then. My poor brother Ernest to carried off suddenly, in Paris, by a severe chill. That gets rid of him.

Algernon. But I thought you said that . . . Miss Cardew was a little too much interested in your poor brother Ernest? Won’t she feel his loss a good deal?

Jack. Oh, that is all right. Cecily is not a silly romantic girl, I am glad to say. She has got a capital appetite, goes long walks, and pays no attention at all to her lessons.

Algernon. I would rather like to see Cecily.

Jack. I will take very good care you never do. She is excessively pretty, and she is only just eighteen.

Algernon. Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who is only just eighteen?

Jack. Oh! one doesn’t blurt these things out to people. Cecily and Gwendolen are perfectly certain to be extremely great friends. I’ll bet you anything you like that half an hour after they have met, they will be calling each other sister.

Algernon. Women only do that when they have called each other a lot of other things first. Now, my dear boy, if we want to get a good table at Willis’s, we really must go and dress. Do you know it is nearly seven?

Jack. [Irritably]. Oh! It always is nearly seven.

Algernon. Well, I’m hungry.

Jack. I never knew you when you weren’t . . .

Algernon. What shall we do after dinner? Go to a theatre?

Jack. Oh no! I loathe listening.

Algernon. Well, let us go to the Club?

Jack. Oh, no! I hate talking.

Algernon. Well, we might trot round to the Empire at ten?

Jack. Oh, no! I can’t bear looking at things. It is so silly.

Algernon. Well, what shall we do?

Jack. Nothing!

Algernon. It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don’t mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.

[Enter Lane].

Lane. Miss Fairfax.

[Enter Gwendolen. Lane goes out].

Algernon. Gwendolen, upon my word!

Gwendolen. Algy, kindly turn your back. I have something very particular to say to Mr. Worthing.

Algernon. Really, Gwendolen, I don’t think I can allow this at all.

Gwendolen. Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral attitude towards life. You are not quite old enough to do that. [Algernon retires to the fireplace].

Jack. My own darling!

Gwendolen. Ernest, we may never be married. From the expression on mamma’s face I fear we never shall. Few parents nowadays pay any regard to what their children say to them. The old-fashioned respect for the young is fast dying out. Whatever influence I ever had over mamma, I lost at the age of three. But although she may prevent us from becoming man and wife, and I may marry some one else, and marry often, nothing that she can possibly do can alter my eternal devotion to you.

Jack. Dear Gwendolen!

Gwendolen. The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature. Your Christian name has an irresistible fascination. The simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to me. Your town address at the Albany I have. What is your address in the country?

Jack. The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire.

[Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and writes the address on his shirt-cuff. Then picks up the Railway Guide].

Gwendolen. There is a good postal service, I suppose? It may be necessary to do something desperate. That of course will require serious consideration. I will communicate with you daily.

Jack. My own one!

Gwendolen. How long do you remain in town?

Jack. Till Monday.

Gwendolen. Good! Algy, you may turn round now.

Algernon. Thanks, I’ve turned round already.

Gwendolen. You may also ring the bell.

Jack. You will let me see you to your carriage, my own darling?

Gwendolen. Certainly.

Jack. [To Lane, who now enters]. I will see Miss Fairfax out.

Lane. Yes, sir. [Jack and Gwendolen go off].
[Lane presents several letters on a salver to Algernon. It is to be surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the envelopes, tears them up].

Algernon. A glass of sherry, Lane.

Lane. Yes, sir.

Algernon. To-morrow, Lane, I’m going Bunburying.

Lane. Yes, sir.

Algernon. I shall probably not be back till Monday. You can put up my dress clothes, my smoking jacket, and all the Bunbury suits . . .

Lane. Yes, sir. [Handing sherry].

Algernon. I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane.

Lane. It never is, sir.

Algernon. Lane, you’re a perfect pessimist.

Lane. I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.

[Enter Jack. Lane goes off].

Jack. There’s a sensible, intellectual girl! the only girl I ever cared for in my life. [Algernon is laughing immoderately]. What on earth are you so amused at?

Algernon. Oh, I’m a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all.

Jack. If you don’t take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day.

Algernon. I love scrapes. They are the only things that are never serious.
Jack. Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy. You never talk anything but nonsense.

Algernon. Nobody ever does.

[Jack looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room. Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles].

ACT DROP.