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The Importance of Being Earnest - Act III

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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, por Oscar Wilde.
•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 parte sin coste y casi sin restricciones de ningún tipo. •Puedes copiarlo, regalarlo o reutilizarlo bajo los términos de Project Gutenberg License incluida con este eBook o en línea en www.gutemberg.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.	•Lengua: Inglés.
•Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.	•Transcrito de la edición de Methuen & Co. Ltd de 1915, por David Prie, 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.	•La importancia de llamarse Ernesto.
•A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.	•Una comedia frívola para gente seria.
•By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).	•Por Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
•THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY John Worthing, JP.	•Los personajes en la obra John Worthing, JP.
•Algernon Moncrieff.	•Algernon Moncrieff.
•Rev. •Canon Chasuble, DD.	•Reverendoi •Canon Chasuble, DD.
•Merriman, Butler.	•Merriman, Butler.
•Lane, Manservant.	•Lane, Manservant.
•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. Departamento de Algernon Moncrieff en la calle Half-Moon, 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 de campo,Woolton.
•TIME: The Present.	•Tiempo: El presente.
•ACT III.	•Acto III.
•SCENE Morning-room at the Manor House.	•ESCENA Salón matutino en la casa de campo.
•[Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]	•[Gwendolen y Cecily junto a la ventana, mirando hacia el jardín].
•Gwendolen. •The fact that they did not follow us at once into the house, as any one else would have done, seems to me to show that they have some sense of shame left.	•Gwendolen. •El hecho que ellos no nos siguieron inmediatamente en la casa, como habría hecho cualquiera, parece mostrarme que ellos tienen algún sentido del pudor.
•Cecily. •They have been eating muffins. •That looks like repentance.	•Cecily. •Han estado comiendo panecillos. •Eso parece arrepentimiento.
•Gwendolen. •[After a pause.] •They don’t seem to notice us at all. •Couldn’t you cough?	•Gwendolen. •[Tras una pausa.] •No parece que hayan reparado en nosotros en absoluto. •¿No podías toser?
•Cecily. •But I haven’t got a cough.	•Cecily. •Pero no tengo tos.
•Gwendolen. •They’re looking at us. •What effrontery!	•Gwendolen. •Están mirándonos. •¡Qué descaro!
•Cecily. •They’re approaching. •That’s very forward of them.	•Cecily. •Se están acercando. •Es muy atrevido por su parte.
•Gwendolen. •Let us preserve a dignified silence.	•Gwendolen. •Mantengamos un decoroso silencio.
•Cecily. •Certainly. •It’s the only thing to do now. •[Enter Jack followed by Algernon. •They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.]	•Cecily. •Sin duda. •Es lo único a hacer ahora. •[Entra Jack seguido de Algernon. •Silban alguna horrorosa canción popular de un ópera británica.]
•Gwendolen. •This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect.	•Gwendolen. •Este decoroso silencio parece producir un efecto poco agradable.
•Cecily. •A most distasteful one.	•Cecily. •De lo más desagradable.
•Gwendolen. •But we will not be the first to speak.	•Gwendolen. •Pero no seremos las primeras en hablar.
•Cecily. •Certainly not.	•Cecily. •Ciertamente no.
•Gwendolen. •Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you. •Much depends on your reply.	•Gwendolen. •Sr. Worthing, tengo algo muy particular que preguntarle. •Depende mucho de su respuesta.
•Cecily. •Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. •Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question. •Why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?	•Cecily. •Gwendolen, tu sentido común es inestimable. •Sr. Moncrieff, tenga la bondad de responderme la siguiente pregunta. •¿Por qué pretende ser usted el hermano de mi tutor?
•Algernon. •In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.	•Algernon. •Con el objeto de que pueda tener una oportunidad de conocerla.
•Cecily. •[To Gwendolen.] •That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?	•Cecily. •[A Gwendolen.] •Esa parece verdaderamente una explicación satisfactoria, ¿no es así?
•Gwendolen. •Yes, dear, if you can believe him.	•Gwendolen. •Sí, querida,si es que puedes creer en él.
•Cecily. •I don’t. •But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.	•Cecily. •No puedo. •Pero eso no afecta a la maravillosa belleza de su respuesta.
•Gwendolen. •True. •In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing. •Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother? •Was it in order that you might have an opportunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible?	•Gwendolen. •Es cierto. •En temas de gran importancia, el estilo, no la sinceridad es lo vital. •Sr. Worthing, ¿qué explicación puede usted ofrecerme por pretender tener un hermano? •¿Era para que pudiera tener la oportunidad de venir a verme a la ciudad tan a menudo como fuera posible?
•Jack. •Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?	•Jack. •¿Puede dudarlo, señorita Fairfax?
•Gwendolen. •I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. •But I intend to crush them. •This is not the moment for German scepticism. •[Moving to Cecily.] •Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s. •That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.	•Gwendolen. •Tengo las más serias dudas sobre el tema. •Pero tengo la intención de eliminarlas. •Este no es el momento para el escepticismo alemán. •[Acercándose a Cecily]. •Sus explicaciones parecen ser bastante satisfactorias, especialmente las del Sr. Worthing. •Me parece que eso lleva estampado el sello de la verdad.
•Cecily. •I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. •His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.	•Cecily. •Estoy más que satisfecha con lo que dijo el Sr. Moncrieff. •Solo su voz inspira absoluta confianza.
•Gwendolen. •Then you think we should forgive them?	•Gwendolen. •¿Entonces piensa que debemos perdonarlos?
•Cecily. •Yes. •I mean no.	•Cecily. •Sí. •Quiero decir, no.
•Gwendolen. •True! •I had forgotten. •There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender. •Which of us should tell them? •The task is not a pleasant one.	•Gwendolen. •¡Cierto! •Lo habia olvidado. •Hay principios en juego a los que no se puede renunciar. •¿Quién de nosotras debería decirselo? •No es una tarea agradable.
•Cecily. •Could we not both speak at the same time?	•Cecily. •¿No podríamos hablar las dos a la vez?
•Gwendolen. •An excellent idea! •I nearly always speak at the same time as other people. •Will you take the time from me?	•Gwendolen. •¡Una idea excelente! •Yo casi siempre hablo al mismo tiempo que los demás. •¿Aceptarías tomar mi tiempo?
•Cecily. •Certainly. •[Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.]	•Cecily. •¡Con mucho gusto! •[Gwendolen lleva el compás con el dedo elevado].
•Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.] •Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. •That is all!	•Gwendolen y Cecilia [Hablando al mismo tiempo]. •Vuestros nombres de pila son todavía una barrera insuperable. •¡Eso es todo!
•Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.] •Our Christian names! •Is that all? •But we are going to be christened this afternoon.	•Jack y Algernon [Hablando al mismo tiempo]. •¡Nuestros nombres de pila! •¿Eso es todo? •¡Pero vamos a ser bautizados esta tarde!
•Gwendolen. •[To Jack.] •For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?	•Gwendolen. •[A Jack]. •¿Está dispuesto a hacer algo tan terrible por mí?
•Jack. •I am.	•Jack. •Lo estoy.
•Cecily. •[To Algernon.] •To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?	•Cecily. •[A Algernon]. •¿Para agradarme está dispuesto a afrontar esa espantosa experiencia?
•Algernon. •I am!	•Algernon. •¡Sí!
•Gwendolen. •How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! •Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us.	•Gwendolen. •¡Qué absurdo hablar de la igualdad de sexos! •Cuando se trata de cuestiones de abnegación, los hombres están infinitamente por encima de nosotras.
•Jack. •We are. •[Clasps hands with Algernon.]	•Jack. •Estamos. •[Se da la mano con Algernon].
•Cecily. •They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing.	•Cecily. •Ellos tienen momentos de valentía física de los cuales nosotras las mujeres no tenemos ni idea.
•Gwendolen. •[To Jack.] •Darling!	•Gwendolen. •[A Jack]. •¡Querido!
•Algernon. •[To Cecily.] •Darling! •[They fall into each other’s arms.]	•Algernon. •[A Cecily]. •¡Querida! •[Caen en brazos de sus respectivas parejas].
•[Enter Merriman. •When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]	•[Entra Merriman. •Cuando entra, tose ruidosamente, al ver la situación].
•Merriman. •Ahem! •Ahem! •Lady Bracknell!	•Merriman. •¡Ejem! •¡Ejem! •¡Lady Bracknell!
•Jack. •Good heavens!	•Jack. •¡Cielo santo!
•[Enter Lady Bracknell. •The couples separate in alarm. •Exit Merriman.]	•[Entra Lady Bracknell. •Las parejas se separan alarmadas. •Sale Merriman.]
•Lady Bracknell. •Gwendolen! •What does this mean?	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Gwendolen! •¿Qué significa esto?
•Gwendolen. •Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.	•Gwendolen. •Simplemente que estoy comprometida para casarme con el Sr. Worthing, mamá.
•Lady Bracknell. •Come here. •Sit down. •Sit down immediately. •Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old. •[Turns to Jack.] •Apprised, sir, of my daughter’s sudden flight by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once by a luggage train. •Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent income on Thought. •I do not propose to undeceive him. •Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question. •I would consider it wrong. •But of course, you will clearly understand that all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment. •On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.	•Lady Bracknell. •Ven aquí. •Siéntate. •¡Siéntate inmediatamente! •La hesitación de cualquier clase es un signo de decaimiento mental en los jóvenes, de debilidad física en los viejos. •[Volviéndose hacia Jack]. •Señor,informada por su criada fiel, cuya confianza compré mediante una pequeña moneda, del vuelo repentino de mi hija, la seguí inmediatamente en un tren de mercancías. •Su infeliz padre, me alegra decirlo, tiene la impresión de que está asistiendo a una conferencia más larga de lo habitual del Prograrma de Extensión Universitaria sobre la influencia de un ingreso permanente en el Pensamiento. •No me propongo desengañarlo. •De hecho, nunca lo he desengañado de ninguna cuestión. •Lo consideraría incorrecto. •Pero, por supuesto, comprenderá claramente que toda comunicación entre usted y mi hija debe cesar inmediatamente a partir de este momento. •En este punto, como en todos los puntos, soy firme.
•Jack. •I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!	•Jack. •¡Estoy prometido con Gwendolen para casarme, Lady Bracknell!
•Lady Bracknell. •You are nothing of the kind, sir. •And now, as regards Algernon! •. •. •. •Algernon!	•Lady Bracknell. •Nada de eso, señor. •¡Y ahora, con respecto a Algernon! •. •. •. •¡Algernon!
•Algernon. •Yes, Aunt Augusta.	•Algernon. •Sí, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Puedo preguntarte si es en esta casa, donde reside tu amigo inválido, el señor Bunbury?
•Algernon. •[Stammering.] •Oh! •No! •Bunbury doesn’t live here. •Bunbury is somewhere else at present. •In fact, Bunbury is dead.	•Algernon. •[Tartamudeando]. •¡Oh! •¡No! •Bunbury no vive aquí. •Bunbury está en otra parte actualmente. •De hecho, Bunbury esta muerto.
•Lady Bracknell. •Dead! •When did Mr. Bunbury die? •His death must have been extremely sudden.	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Muerto! •¿Y cuándo murió el señor Bunbury? •Su muerte debió ser extremadamente repentina.
•Algernon. •[Airily.] •Oh! •I killed Bunbury this afternoon. •I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.	•Algernon. •[Distraidamente]. •¡Oh! •Maté a Bunbury esta tarde. •Quiero decir, pobre Bunbury, murió esta tarde.
•Lady Bracknell. •What did he die of?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Y de qué murió?
•Algernon. •Bunbury? •Oh, he was quite exploded.	•Algernon. •¿Bunbury? •Oh, el estaba bastante reventado.
•Lady Bracknell. •Exploded! •Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage? •I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation. •If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.	•Lady Blacknell. •¡Reventó! •¿El fue la víctima de una acción revolucionaria? •Yo no era consciente que el Sr. Bunbury estuviese interesado en la legislación social. •Si es así, él está bien castigado por su morbosidad.
•Algernon. •My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! •The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died.	•Algernon. •¡Mi querida tía Augusta, creo que él fue desenmascarado! •Los doctores se dieron cuenta de que Bunbury no podía vivir, eso es lo que pienso, por lo tanto Bunbury murió.
•Lady Bracknell. •He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians. •I am glad, however, that he made up his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted under proper medical advice. •And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr. Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?	•Lady Blacknell. •Él parece haber tenido gran confianza en la opinión de sus médicos. •Me alegro, sin embargo, que él decidió al final por algún curso definido de acción, y actuó bajo el consejo médico apropiado. •Y ahora que por fin nos hemos librado de este Sr. Bunbury, ¿puedo preguntar, Sr. Worthing, quién es esa joven cuya mano sostiene ahora mi sobrino Algernon de una manera que me parece peculiarmente innecesaria?
•Jack. •That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward. •[Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]	•Jack. •Esa dama es la señorita Cecily Cardew, mi pupila. •[Lady Bracknell se inclina fríamente hacia Cecily].
•Algernon. •I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.	•Algernon. •Estoy comprometido para casarme con Cecily, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •I beg your pardon?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Cómo dice?
•Cecily. •Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •[With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] •I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. •I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. •Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? •I merely desire information. •Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. •[Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]	•Cecily. •El Sr. Moncrieff y yo estamos comprometidos para casarnos, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •[Con un escalofrío, al cruzar hacia el sofá y sentarse]. •No sé si hay algo peculiarmente excitante en el aire de esta parte en concreto de Hertfordshire, pero el número de compromisos que se producen me parece considerablemente superior al promedio adecuado que las estadísticas han establecido para nuestra orientación. •Creo que una investigación preliminar de mi parte no estaría fuera de lugar. •Sr. Worthing, ¿la señorita Cardew está relacionada con alguna de las estaciones de tren más grandes de Londres? •Simplemente deseo información. •Hasta ayer no tenía ni idea de que hubiera familias o personas cuyo origen fuera una estación de término. •[Jack parece muy furioso, pero se contiene].
•Jack. •[In a clear, cold voice.] •Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W. •; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.	•Jack. •[Con voz clara y fría]. •Miss Cardew es la nieta del difunto Mr. Thomas Cardew plaza Belgrave, 149, S.W. •; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; y la Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
•Lady Bracknell. •That sounds not unsatisfactory. •Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. •But what proof have I of their authenticity?	•Lady Bracknell. •Eso no suena insatisfactorio. •Tres direcciones siempre inspiran confianza, aún en comerciantes. •Pero ¿qué prueba tengo de su autenticidad?
•Jack. •I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. •They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •[Grimly.] •I have known strange errors in that publication.	•Jack. •Tengo cuidadosamente conservadas las Guías de Tribunal de la época. •Ellas están a disposición para su inspección, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •[Seriamente]. •He encontrado errores extraños en esa publicación.
•Jack. •Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.	•Jack. •Los abogados de la familia de la señorita Cardew son los Sres Markby, Markby, y Markby.
•Lady Bracknell. •Markby, Markby, and Markby? •A firm of the very highest position in their profession. •Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby’s is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. •So far I am satisfied.	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Markby, Markby, y Markby? •Una empresa de muy alta posición en la profesión. •De verdad, me dicen que a uno de los Srs. Markby se le ve de vez en cuando en las cenas. •Hasta ahora me complace.
•Jack. •[Very irritably.] •How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! •I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew’s birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both the German and the English variety.	•Jack. •[Muy irritado]. •¡Qué amable de su parte, Lady Bracknell! •Yo también tengo en mi posesión, usted se alegrará de oírlo, certificados de nacimiento, de bautismo, tos ferina, registro, vacunación, confirmación y sarampión de Miss Cardew; tanto en versión alemana como inglesa.
•Lady Bracknell. •Ah! •A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl. •I am not myself in favour of premature experiences. •[Rises, looks at her watch.] •Gwendolen! •the time approaches for our departure. •We have not a moment to lose. •As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune?	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Ah! •Una vida llena de acontecimientos, ya lo veo; aunque tal vez de alguna manera demasiado excitante para una jovencita. •Yo personalmente no estoy a favor de experiencias prematuras. •[Se levanta, mira su reloj]. •¡Gwendolen! •se acerca el momento de marcharnos. •No tenemos un momento que perder. •Como formalidad, Mr. Worthing, ¿debería de preguntarle si Miss Cardew tiene un pequeño capital?
•Jack. •Oh! •about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds. •That is all. •Goodbye, Lady Bracknell. •So pleased to have seen you.	•Jack. •¡Oh! •unas ciento treinta mil libras en fondos de inversión. •Eso es todo. •Adiós, Lady Bracknell. •Encantado de haberla visto.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Sitting down again.] •A moment, Mr. Worthing. •A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! •And in the Funds! •Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. •Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. •We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. •[To Cecily.] •Come over here, dear. •[Cecily goes across.] •Pretty child! •your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. •But we can soon alter all that. •A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. •I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her.	•Lady Bracknell. •[Sentándose de nuevo]. •Un momento, Mr. Worthing. •¡Ciento treinta mil libras! •¡Y en fondos de inversión! •Miss Cardew me parece una joven dama muy atractiva, ahora que la miro. •Pocas muchachas hoy tienen algunas calidades realmente sólidas, cualquiera de las calidades que duran y se mejoran con el tiempo. •Vivimos, lamento decirlo, en una época superficial. •[A Cecily]. •Ven aquí, querida. •[Cecily se acerca]. •¡Niña bonita! •su vestido es melancólicamente simple y sus cabellos parecen casi como los podría haber dejado la naturaleza. •Pero pronto podremos cambiar todo eso. •Una doncella francesa plenamente experimentada produce un resultado realmente maravilloso en un muy breve espacio de tiempo. •Recuerdo haberle recomendado una a la joven Lady Lancing, y tres meses después su propio marido no la reconocía.
•Jack. •And after six months nobody knew her.	•Jack. •Y seis meses después nadie la reconocía.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Glares at Jack for a few moments. •Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.] •Kindly turn round, sweet child. •[Cecily turns completely round.] •No, the side view is what I want. •[Cecily presents her profile.] •Yes, quite as I expected. •There are distinct social possibilities in your profile. •The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile. •The chin a little higher, dear. •Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. •They are worn very high, just at present. •Algernon!	•Lady Bracknell. •[Mira fijamente a Jack por un instante •Luego se inclina, con una sonrisa falsa, hacia Cecily]. •Por favor date vuelta, dulce niña. •[Cecily se da vuelta por completo]. •No, lo que quiero ver es tu perfil. •[Cecily se pone de perfil]. •Sí, tal como lo esperaba. •Hay posibilidades sociales concretas en tu perfil. •Los dos puntos débiles en nuestra edad son su deseo de principios y su deseo de perfil. •La barbilla un poco más arriba, querida. •El estilo depende en gran medida de cómo se lleva la barbilla. •Se lleva muy alta, justo en este momento. •¡Algernon!
•Algernon. •Yes, Aunt Augusta!	•Algernon. •Sí, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.	•Lady Bracknell. •Hay posibilidades sociales concretas en el perfil de Miss Cardew.
•Algernon. •Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. •And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.	•Algernon. •Cecily es la más dulce, adorable y bonita chica en todo el mundo. •Y referente a las posibilidades sociales no me preocupo ni dos peniques.
•Lady Bracknell. •Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. •Only people who can’t get into it do that. •[To Cecily.] •Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon. •But I do not approve of mercenary marriages. •When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind. •But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way. •Well, I suppose I must give my consent.	•Lady Bracknell. •Nunca hables irrespetuosamente de la sociedad, Algernon. •Solamente la gente que no puede entrar en ella lo hace. •[A Cecily]. •Querida niña, desde luego sabes que Algernon no cuenta más que con sus deudas. •Pero no apruebo matrimonios interesados. •Cuando me casé con Lord Bracknell yo no tenía fortuna de ninguna clase. •Pero nunca soñé ni un momento en permitir que eso se interpusiese en mi camino. •Bueno, supongo que debo dar mi consentimiento.
•Algernon. •Thank you, Aunt Augusta.	•Algernon. •Gracias, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •Cecily, you may kiss me!	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Cecily puedes besarme!
•Cecily. •[Kisses her.] •Thank you, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.	•Cecily. •[La besa]. •Gracias, Lady Bracknell. •Lady Bracknell. •Puedes también llamarme tía Augusta en el futuro.
•Cecily. •Thank you, Aunt Augusta.	•Cecily. •Gracias, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.	•Lady Bracknell. •La boda, creo, sería mejor que tuviese lugar bastante pronto.
•Algernon. •Thank you, Aunt Augusta.	•Algernon. •Gracias, tía Augusta.
•Cecily. •Thank you, Aunt Augusta.	•Cecily. •Gracias, tía Augusta.
•Lady Bracknell. •To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. •They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.	•Lady Bracknell. •Para hablar con franqueza, no estoy a favor de los compromisos largos. •Dan a la gente la oportunidad de descubrir mutuamente el carácter antes del matrimonio, lo que pienso que es recomendable.
•Jack. •I beg your pardon for interrupting you, Lady Bracknell, but this engagement is quite out of the question. •I am Miss Cardew’s guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she comes of age. •That consent I absolutely decline to give.	•Jack. •Le pido perdón por interrumpirla, Lady Bracknell, pero este compromiso no tiene discusión. •Soy el tutor de Miss Cardew y no puede casarse sin mi consentimiento hasta que alcance la mayoría de edad. •Me niego absolutamente a dar ese consentimiento.
•Lady Bracknell. •Upon what grounds may I ask? •Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man. •He has nothing, but he looks everything. •What more can one desire?	•Lady Bracknell. •¿Debido a qué motivos, puedo preguntar? •Algernon es un extremadamente, casi podría decir un ostentosamente, joven candidato. •No tiene nada, pero aparenta todo. •¿Qué más puede desearse?
•Jack. •It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not approve at all of his moral character. •I suspect him of being untruthful. •[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]	•Jack. •Me duele mucho tener que hablarle francamente, Lady Bracknell, sobre su sobrino, pero el hecho es que no apruebo en absoluto su carácter moral. •Sospecho que es mentiroso. •[Algernon y Cecily lo miran con indignado asombro].
•Lady Bracknell. •Untruthful! •My nephew Algernon? •Impossible! •He is an Oxonian.	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Mentiroso! •¿Mi sobrino Algernon? •¡Imposible! •Es un Oxon.
•Jack. •I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. •This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. •Under an assumed name he drank, I’ve just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. •Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. •He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin. •And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don’t intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. •I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.	•Jack. •Me temo que no puede ser posible dudar sobre el tema. •Esta tarde, durante mi ausencia temporaria en Londres por un asunto romántico importante, logró ser admitido en mi casa a través del falso pretexto de que era mi hermano. •Con un nombre falso, se tomó, como me acaba de informar mi mayordomo, una botella entera de mi Perrier-Jouet brut '89, un vino que estaba reservando especialmente para mí. •Siguiendo su engaño vergonzoso, él tuvo éxito en el curso de la tarde en enajenar los afectos de mi única pupila. •Él posteriormente se quedó al té y devoró todos los panecillos. •Y lo que hace su conducta tanto más sin corazón es, que él era perfectamente bien consciente desde el principio de que no tengo ningún hermano, que nunca tuve un hermano y que no tengo la intención de tener a un hermano, de ninguna clase. •Yo mismo se lo dije claramente ayer por la tarde.
•Lady Bracknell. •Ahem! •Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook my nephew’s conduct to you.	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Ejem! •Mr. Worthing, después de una minuciosa consideración he decidido pasar por alto el comportamiento de mi sobrino con usted.
•Jack. •That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell. •My own decision, however, is unalterable. •I decline to give my consent.	•Jack. •Es muy generoso de su parte, Lady Bracknell. •Mi propia decisión, sin embargo, es inalterable. •Me niego a dar mi consentimiento.
•Lady Bracknell. •[To Cecily.] •Come here, sweet child. •[Cecily goes over.] •How old are you, dear?	•Lady Bracknell. •[A Cecily]. •Ven aquí, querida niña. •[Cecily se acerca]. •¿Cuántos años tienes?
•Cecily. •Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties.	•Cecily. •Bueno, en realidad solo dieciocho, pero siempre digo que tengo veinte cuando voy a fiestas nocturnas.
•Lady Bracknell. •You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. •Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. •It looks so calculating . •. •. •[In a meditative manner.] •Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. •Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage. •So I don’t think your guardian’s consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.	•Lady Bracknell. •Haces muy bien en hacer alguna ligera alteración. •La verdad, ninguna mujer debería ser nunca demasiado exacta con respecto a su edad. •Parece muy calculador. •. •. •[De forma meditativa]. •Dieciocho, pero aparentando veinte en fiestas nocturnas. •Bueno, no falta mucho para que seas mayor de edad y estés libre de las restricciones de la tutela. •Así que no creo que el consentimiento de tu tutor, después de todo, sea una cuestión importante.
•Jack. •Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather’s will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five.	•Jack. •Le ruego que me excuse, Lady Bracknell, por interrumpirla de nuevo, pero es justo que le diga que, de acuerdo con los términos del deseo de su abuelo, Miss Cardew no será legalmente mayor de edad hasta que tenga treinta y cinco.
•Lady Bracknell. •That does not seem to me to be a grave objection. •Thirty-five is a very attractive age. •London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years. •Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point. •To my own knowledge she has been thirty-five ever since she arrived at the age of forty, which was many years ago now. •I see no reason why our dear Cecily should not be even still more attractive at the age you mention than she is at present. •There will be a large accumulation of property.	•Lady Bracknell. •Eso no me parece que sea una objeción de gravedad. •Treinta y cinco es una edad muy atractiva. •La sociedad de Londres está llena de mujeres de la más alta cuna que han decidido, por elección propia, seguir teniendo treinta y cinco durante años. •Lady Dumbleton es un ejemplo en este punto. •Que yo sepa ha tenido treinta y cinco desde que llegó a los cuarenta, lo que ocurrió hace muchos años. •No veo razón para que nuestra querida Cecily no sea incluso todavía más atractiva a la edad que usted menciona de lo que es en el presente. •Habrá una larga acumulación de propiedades.
•Cecily. •Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?	•Cecily. •Algy, ¿podrías esperar por mí hasta que tenga treinta y cinco?
•Algernon. •Of course I could, Cecily. •You know I could.	•Algernon. •Por supuesto que podría, Cecily. •Sabes que podría.
•Cecily. •Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time. •I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody. •It always makes me rather cross. •I am not punctual myself, I know, but I do like punctuality in others, and waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question.	•Cecily. •Sí, lo sentí instintivamente, pero yo no podría esperar todo ese tiempo. •Yo odio incluso esperar cinco minutos por alguien. •Me pone de bastante malhumor. •No soy puntual yo misma, lo sé, pero me gusta la puntualidad en los demás, y esperar, incluso para casarme, está fuera de discusión.
•Algernon. •Then what is to be done, Cecily?	•Algernon. •¿Entonces qué se debe hacer, Cecily?
•Cecily. •I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff.	•Cecily. •No lo sé, señor Moncrieff.
•Lady Bracknell. •My dear Mr. Worthing, as Miss Cardew states positively that she cannot wait till she is thirty-five—a remark which I am bound to say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient nature—I would beg of you to reconsider your decision.	•Lady Bracknell. •Mi querido Sr. Worthing, como la Srta. Cardew afirma categóricamente que ella no puede esperar a tener treinta y cinco-- una cuestión que me veo obligado a decir me parece que muestra una naturaleza algo impaciente--le rogaría que reconsiderase su decisión.
•Jack. •But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands. •The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my ward.	•Jack. •Pero mi querida Lady Bracknell, el asunto está por entero en sua manos. •Al momento que usted consienta mi matrimonio con Gwendolen, estaré encantado de permitir a su sobrino que formalice un comproniso con mi tutalada.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Rising and drawing herself up.] •You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of the question.	•Lady Bracknell. •[Levantándose y formulando una declaración]. •Debe ser consciente que lo que usted propone está fuera de consideración.
•Jack. •Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward to.	•Jack. •Entonces una apasionada soltería es todo lo que cualquiera de nosotros puede esperar.
•Lady Bracknell. •That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen. •Algernon, of course, can choose for himself. •[Pulls out her watch.] •Come, dear, [Gwendolen rises] we have already missed five, if not six, trains. •To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform.	•Lady Bracknell. •Ese no es el destino que propongo para Gwendolen. •Algernon, por supuesto, puede elegir por sí mismo. •[Saca su reloj]. •Ven querida [Gwendolen se levanta], ya hemos perdido cinco, si no seis, trenes. •Perder alguno más nos expondría a hacer comentarios en el andén.
•[Enter Dr. •Chasuble.] •Chasuble. •Everything is quite ready for the christenings.	•[Entra el Dr. •Chasuble]. •Chasuble. •Todo está totalmente listo para los bautismos.
•Lady Bracknell. •The christenings, sir! •Is not that somewhat premature?	•Lady Bracknell. •¡Los bautismos, señor! •¿No es eso algo prematuro?
•Chasuble. •[Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.] •Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.	•Chasuble. •[Mirando más bien perplejo y apuntando a Jack y Algernon]. •Ambos caballeros han expresado un deseo de bautismo inmediato.
•Lady Bracknell. •At their age? •The idea is grotesque and irreligious! •Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. •I will not hear of such excesses. •Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.	•Lady Bracknell. •¿A su edad? •La idea es grotesca e impía. •Algernon, te prohibo bautizarte. •No oiré de tales excesos. •El Lord Bracknell estaría muy contrariado si se enterara que esa era su manera de gastar tiempo y dinero
•Chasuble. •Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?	•Chasuble. •¿Entonces debo entender que no va haber ningún bautismo esta tarde?
•Jack. •I don’t think that, as things are now, it would be of much practical value to either of us, Dr. Chasuble. •Chasuble. •I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing. •They savour of the heretical views of the Anabaptists, views that I have completely refuted in four of my unpublished sermons. •However, as your present mood seems to be one peculiarly secular, I will return to the church at once. •Indeed, I have just been informed by the pew-opener that for the last hour and a half Miss Prism has been waiting for me in the vestry.	•Jack. •Como están las cosas ahora, no pienso que sería de mucha utilidad práctica a ninguno de nosotros, Dr Chasuble. •Chasuble. •Estoy afligido de escuchar esos sentimientos de usted, Sr Worthing. •Tienen el gusto de las opiniones heréticas de los anabaptistas, opiniones que refuté totalmente en cuatro de mis sermones no publicados. •Sin embargo, como su estado de ánimo actual parece ser peculiarmente secular, volveré inmediatamente a la iglesia. •De hecho, me acaba de informar el sacristán que Miss Prism ha estado esperando por mí en la sacristía desde hace una hora y media.
•Lady Bracknell. •[Starting.] •Miss Prism! •Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?	•Lady Bracknell. •[Sobresaltándose]. •¡Miss Prism! •¿Escuché que mencionó a Miss Prism?
•Chasuble. •Yes, Lady Bracknell. •I am on my way to join her.	•Chasuble. •Sí, Lady Bracknell. •Estoy en camino a reunirme con ella.
•Lady Bracknell. •Pray allow me to detain you for a moment. •This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself. •Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with education?	•Lady Bracknell. •Le ruego me permita detenerlo un instante. •Este asunto puede ser de una importancia vital para Lord Bracknell y para mí. •¿Esta señorita Prism es una mujer de aspecto repelente, remotamente relacionada con la educación?
•Chasuble. •[Somewhat indignantly.] •She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.	•Chasuble. •[En cierto modo indignado]. •Es la más educada de las damas y la imagen de respetabilidad.
•Lady Bracknell. •It is obviously the same person. •May I ask what position she holds in your household?	•Lady Bracknell. •Es obviamente la misma persona. •¿Puedo preguntar que posición tiene ella en su casa?
•Chasuble. •[Severely.] •I am a celibate, madam.	•Chasuble. •[Severamente]. •Soy un célibe, señora.
•Jack. •[Interposing.] •Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years Miss Cardew’s esteemed governess and valued companion.	•Jack. •[Interviniendo]. •Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, ha sido durante los tres últimos años la estimada institutriz y valiosa acompañante de Miss Cardew.
•Lady Bracknell. •In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once. •Let her be sent for.	•Lady Bracknell. •A pesar de lo que oigo de ella, tengo que verla de inmediato. •Envíen a buscarla.
•Chasuble. •[Looking off.] •She approaches; she is nigh.	•Chasuble. •[Mirando afuera]. •Se aproxima; está cerca.
•[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]	•[Entra Miss Prism apresuradamente].
•Miss Prism. •I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon. •I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters. •[Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony glare. •Miss Prism grows pale and quails. •She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]	•Miss Prism. •Me dijeron que me esperaba en la sacristía, apreciado canónigo. •He estado esperando allí por usted una hora y tres cuartos. •[Se da cuenta de la presencia de Lady Bracknell, que ha fijado en ella su mirada glacial. •Miss Prism se pone pálida y se estremece. •Mira con ansiedad alrededor como si desease escaparse].
•Lady Bracknell. •[In a severe, judicial voice.] •Prism! •[Miss Prism bows her head in shame.] •Come here, Prism! •[Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.] •Prism! •Where is that baby? •[General consternation. •The Canon starts back in horror. •Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.] •Twenty-eight years ago, Prism, you left Lord Bracknell’s house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor Street, in charge of a perambulator that contained a baby of the male sex. •You never returned. •A few weeks later, through the elaborate investigations of the Metropolitan police, the perambulator was discovered at midnight, standing by itself in a remote corner of Bayswater. •It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually revolting sentimentality. •[Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.] •But the baby was not there! •[Every one looks at Miss Prism.] •Prism! •Where is that baby? •[A pause.]	•Lady Bracknell. •[Con una voz severa, crítica]. •¡Prism! •[Miss Prism inclina su cabeza avergonzada]. •¡Venga aquí, Prism! •[Miss Prism se acerca de forma humilde]. •¡Prism! •¿Dónde está el bebé? •[Consternación general. •El canónigo comienza a retroceder con horror. •Algernon y Jack simulan estar ansiosos por proteger a Cecily y Gwendolen de oír los detalles de un terrible escándalo público]. •Hace veintiocho años, Prism, usted dejó la casa de Lord Bracknell, Upper Grosvenor Street, número 104, al cargo de un cochecito de niño que contenía un bebé de sexo masculino. •Usted no regresó nunca. •Unas semanas después, por medio de las elaboradas investigaciones de la policía metropolitana, el cochecito fue descubierto a medianoche, solo, en un rincón remoto de Bayswater. •Contenía el manuscrito de una novela de tres volúmenes de un sentimentalismo asqueroso fuera de lo común. •[Miss Prism se sobresalta con una indignación involuntaria]. •¡Pero el bebé no estaba allí! •[Todos fijan la vista en Miss Prism]. •¡Prism! •¿Dónde está el bebé? •[Una pausa].
•Miss Prism. •Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know. •I only wish I did. •The plain facts of the case are these. •On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is for ever branded on my memory, I prepared as usual to take the baby out in its perambulator. •I had also with me a somewhat old, but capacious hand-bag in which I had intended to place the manuscript of a work of fiction that I had written during my few unoccupied hours. •In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I never can forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the basinette, and placed the baby in the hand-bag.	•Miss Prism. •Lady Bracknell, admito con vergüenza que no sé. •Ojalá lo supiera. •Los hechos escuetos son esos. •En la mañana del día que usted menciona, un día que ha quedado grabado para siempre en mi memoria, me preparé como siempre para llevar al bebé a pasear en su cochecito. •También llevaba conmigo un bolso un tanto viejo pero espacioso en el que pretendía colocar el manuscrito de una obra de ficción que había escrito en mis pocas horas libres. •En un momento de distracción, del que no me podré perdonar jamás, deposité el manuscrito en la cuna y coloqué al bebé en el bolso.
•Jack. •[Who has been listening attentively.] •But where did you deposit the hand-bag?	•Jack. •[Quien ha estado escuchando con mucha atención]. •¿Pero dónde depositó el maletín?
•Miss Prism. •Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.	•Miss Prism. •No me lo pregunte, Mr. Worthing.
•Jack. •Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me. •I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.	•Jack. •Miss Prism, este no es un asunto de poca importancia para mí. •Insisto en saber dónde depositó usted el maletín que contenía al niño.
•Miss Prism. •I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.	•Miss Prism. •Lo dejé en el guardarropa de una de las estaciones más grandes de ferrocarril en Londres.
•Jack. •What railway station?	•Jack. •¿Cuál estación de tren?
•Miss Prism. •[Quite crushed.] •Victoria. •The Brighton line. •[Sinks into a chair.]	•Miss Prism. •[Bastante abrumada]. •Victoria. •Línea de Brighton. •[Se deja caer en una silla].
•Jack. •I must retire to my room for a moment. •Gwendolen, wait here for me.	•Jack. •Debo retirarme a mi habitación por un momento. •Gwendolen, espérame aquí.
•Gwendolen. •If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life. •[Exit Jack in great excitement.]	•Gwendolen. •Si no tardas demasiado, te esperaré aquí toda mi vida. •[Sale Jack con gran excitación].
•Chasuble. •What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?	•Chasuble. •¿Qué cree usted que significa esto, Lady Bracknell?
•Lady Bracknell. •I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble. •I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur. •They are hardly considered the thing.	•Lady Bracknell. •Ni siquiera me atrevo a sospechar, Dr. Chasuble. •No hace falta que le diga que en las familias de alta posición no se supone que ocurran extrañas coincidencias. •Difícilmente se consideran.
•[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about. •Every one looks up.]	•[Se escuchan ruidos arriba como si alguien estuvera arrojando baúles de un lado al otro. •Todos miran hacia arriba].
•Cecily. •Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.	•Cecily. •El tío Jack parece estar extrañamente alterado.
•Chasuble. •Your guardian has a very emotional nature.	•Chasuble. •Tu tutor tiene un carácter muy impulsivo.
•Lady Bracknell. •This noise is extremely unpleasant. •It sounds as if he was having an argument. •I dislike arguments of any kind. •They are always vulgar, and often convincing.	•Lady Bracknell. •Este ruido es extremadamente desagradable. •Suena como si estuviera manteniendo una discusión. •Me desagrada todo tipo de discusiones. •Son siempre vulgares y a menudo convincentes.
•Chasuble. •[Looking up.] •It has stopped now. •[The noise is redoubled.]	•Chasuble •[Mirando hacia arriba]. •Ahora se ha detenido. •[Se reanuda el ruido].
•Lady Bracknell. •I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.	•Lady Bracknell. •Desearía que llegara a alguna conclusión.
•Gwendolen. •This suspense is terrible. •I hope it will last. •[Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]	•Gwendolen. •Este suspenso es terrible. •Espero que dure. •[Entra Jack con un bolso de cuero negro en la mano].
•Jack. •[Rushing over to Miss Prism.] •Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism? •Examine it carefully before you speak. •The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.	•Jack. •[Corriendo hacia Miss Prism]. •¿Es este el bolso, Miss Prism? •Examínelo con cuidado antes de hablar. •La felicidad de más de una vida depende de su respuesta.
•Miss Prism. •[Calmly.] •It seems to be mine. •Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier days. •Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington. •And here, on the lock, are my initials. •I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there. •The bag is undoubtedly mine. •I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me. •It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.	•Miss Prism. •[Con tranquilidad]. •Parece ser el mío. •Sí, aquí está la raspadura que sufrió al volcar un ómnibus de la calle Gower en épocas más jóvenes y felices. •Aquí está la mancha en el forro causada por la explosión de una bebida sin alcohol, un incidente que ocurrió en Lexington. •Y aquí en el cierre están mis iniciales. •Había olvidado que en una ocasión en que me encontraba en un estado de ánimo extravagante, las había hecho colocar allí. •El bolso es indudablemente mío. •Estoy encantada de haberlo recuperado tan inesperadamente. •No tenerlo durante todos estos años ha sido un gran inconveniente.
•Jack. •[In a pathetic voice.] •Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. •I was the baby you placed in it.	•Jack. •[Con una voz patética ]. •Miss Prism, ha recuperado usted algo más que este bolso. •Yo era el bebé que usted colocó en él.
•Miss Prism. •[Amazed.] •You?	•Miss Prism. •[Asombrada]. •¿Usted?
•Jack. •[Embracing her.] •Yes . •. •. •mother!	•Jack. •[Abrazándola]. •Sí. •. •. •¡Madre!
•Miss Prism. •[Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] •Mr. Worthing! •I am unmarried!	•Miss Prism. •[Retrocediendo indignada y estupefacta]. •¡Mr. Worthing! •¡Soy soltera!
•Jack. •Unmarried! •I do not deny that is a serious blow. •But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? •Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? •Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? •Mother, I forgive you. •[Tries to embrace her again.]	•Jack. •¡Soltera! •No niego que es un serio golpe. •¿Pero después de todo, quién tiene el derecho de lanzar una piedra contra uno que ha sufrido? •¿No puede el arrepentimiento borrar un acto de locura? •¿Por qué debería haber una ley para hombres y otra para mujeres? •Madre, te perdono. •[Intenta abrazarla de nuevo].
•Miss Prism. •[Still more indignant.] •Mr. Worthing, there is some error. •[Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] •There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.	•Miss Prism. •[Todavía más indignada]. •Mr. Worthing, hay algún error. •[Señalando a Lady Bracknell]. •Hay una dama que puede decirle a usted quién es realmente.
•Jack. •[After a pause.] •Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?	•Jack. •[Después de una pausa]. •Lady Bracknell, lamento parecer inquisitivo, pero amablemente,... ¿quisiera usted informarme quién soy?
•Lady Bracknell. •I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you. •You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon’s elder brother.	•Lady Bracknell. •Me temo que las noticias que tengo que darle no le complacerán del todo. •Usted es el hijo de mi pobre hermana, Mrs. Moncrieff, y por consiguiente el hermano mayor de Algernon.
•Jack. •Algy’s elder brother! •Then I have a brother after all. •I knew I had a brother! •I always said I had a brother! •Cecily,—how could you have ever doubted that I had a brother? •[Seizes hold of Algernon.] •Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother. •Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother. •Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother. •Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more respect in the future. •You have never behaved to me like a brother in all your life.	•Jack. •¡El hermano mayor de Algy! •Entonces tengo un hermano, después de todo. •¡Sabía que tenía un hermano! •¡Siempre dije que tenía un hermano! •Cecily, ¿cómo pudiste haber dudado que tenía un hermano? •[Se agarra con fuerza de Algernon]. •Dr. Chasuble, mi desafortunado hermano. •Miss Prism, mi desafortunado hermano. •Gwendolen, mi desafortunado hermano. •Algy, jóven bribón, tendrás que tratarme con más respeto en el futuro. •Nunca en tu vida me has tratado como a un hermano.
•Algernon. •Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit. •I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.	•Algernon. •Bueno, no basta hoy, lo admito, muchacho. •Sin embargo, aunque estaba fuera de entrenamiento, hice lo mejor que pude.
•[Shakes hands.]	•[Se estrechan las manos].
•Gwendolen. •[To Jack.] •My own! •But what own are you? •What is your Christian name, now that you have become some one else?	•Gwendolen. •[A Jack]. •¡Amor mío! •Pero,... ¿cómo te llamas? •¿Cuál es tu nombre de pila, ahora que te has convertido en otra persona?
•Jack. •Good heavens! •. •. •. •I had quite forgotten that point. •Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I suppose?	•Jack. •¡Santo cielo! •. •. •. •Se me había olvidado ese punto. •Supongo que,... ¿tu decisión con respecto a mi nombre es irrevocable?
•Gwendolen. •I never change, except in my affections.	•Gwendolen. •Nunca cambio, excepto en mis afectos.
•Cecily. •What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!	•Cecily. •¡Qué naturaleza tan noble la tuya,Gwendolen!
•Jack. •Then the question had better be cleared up at once. •Aunt Augusta, a moment. •At the time when Miss Prism left me in the hand-bag, had I been christened already?	•Jack. •Entonces la cuestión más vale que sea aclarada de una vez. •Tía Augusta, un momento. •En el momento que Miss Prism me abandonó en el bolso de mano, ¿había sido ya bautizado?
•Lady Bracknell. •Every luxury that money could buy, including christening, had been lavished on you by your fond and doting parents.	•Lady Bracknell. •Cualquier lujo que el dinero pudiera comprar, incluyendo el bautismo, le había sido prodigado por sus indulgentes y cariñosos padres.
•Jack. •Then I was christened! •That is settled. •Now, what name was I given? •Let me know the worst.	•Jack. •¡Entonces me bautizaron! •Está claro. •Ahora, ¿qué nombre me pusieron? •Permítame saber lo peor.
•Lady Bracknell. •Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.	•Lady Bracknell. •Siendo el hijo mayor, usted fue bautizado lógicamente como su padre.
•Jack. •[Irritably.] •Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?	•Jack. •[Con irritación]. •Sí, pero ¿cuál es el nombre de pila de mi padre?
•Lady Bracknell. •[Meditatively.] •I cannot at the present moment recall what the General’s Christian name was. •But I have no doubt he had one. •He was eccentric, I admit. •But only in later years. •And that was the result of the Indian climate, and marriage, and indigestion, and other things of that kind.	•Lady Bracknell. •[Pensativa]. •No puedo ahora mismo acordarme de cuál era el nombre de pila del general. •Pero no tengo duda de que tenía uno. •Él era excéntrico, lo admito. •Pero solo en los últimos años. •Y eso fue el resultado del clima de la India, y del matrimonio, y de la indigestión y de otras cosas por el estilo.
•Jack. •Algy! •Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?	•Jack. •¡Algy! •¿Puedes tú acordarte de cuál era el nombre de pila de nuestro padre?
•Algernon. •My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms. •He died before I was a year old.	•Algernon. •Mi querido muchacho, nunca jamás hablamos con palabras. •Murió antes de que yo tuviera un año.
•Jack. •His name would appear in the Army Lists of the period, I suppose, Aunt Augusta?	•Jack. •¿Su nombre aparecería en la lista militar de la época, verdad, tía Augusta?
•Lady Bracknell. •The General was essentially a man of peace, except in his domestic life. •But I have no doubt his name would appear in any military directory.	•Lady Bracknell. •El general fue esencialmente un hombre de paz, salvo en su vida doméstica. •Pero no tengo duda de que su nombre debe de aparecer en algún directorio militar.
•Jack. •The Army Lists of the last forty years are here. •These delightful records should have been my constant study. •[Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.] •M. Generals . •. •. •Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, what ghastly names they have—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff! •Lieutenant 1840, Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest John. •[Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.] •I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn’t I? •Well, it is Ernest after all. •I mean it naturally is Ernest.	•Jack. •La lista militar de los últimos cuarenta años se encuentra aquí. •Estos deliciosos registros deberian haber sido mi estudio constante. •[Se apresura sobre una caja de libros y los lanza fuera]. •M. generales. •. •. •¡Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, qùé horribles nombres tienen—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff! •Teniente 1840, capitán, teniente coronel, coronel, general 1869, nombres cristianos, Ernesto Juan. •[Suelta el libro muy tranquilamente y habla bastante calmado]. •Siempre te dije, Gwendolen, que mi nombre era Ernesto, ¿verdad? •Bien, es Ernesto después de todo. •Quiero decir , por supuesto que es Ernesto.
•Lady Bracknell. •Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for disliking the name.	•Lady Bracknell. •Sí, ahora recuerdo que el general se llamaba Ernesto, sabía que tenía alguna razón particular para tener aversión a ese nombre.
•Gwendolen. •Ernest! •My own Ernest! •I felt from the first that you could have no other name!	•Gwendolen. •¡Ernesto! •¡Mi propio Ernesto! •¡Sentí desde el primer momento que no podías tener otro nombre!
•Jack. •Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. •Can you forgive me?	•Jack. •Gwedolen, es algo terrible para un hombre descubrir de repente que en toda su vida no ha dicho otra cosa que la verdad. •¿Puedes perdonarme?
•Gwendolen. •I can. •For I feel that you are sure to change.	•Gwendolen. •Sí. •Porque siento que estás seguro de cambiar.
•Jack. •My own one!	•Jack. •¡Mi amor!
•Chasuble. •[To Miss Prism.] •Lætitia! •[Embraces her] Miss Prism. •[Enthusiastically.] •Frederick! •At last!	•Chasuble. •[A Miss Prism]. •¡Laetitia! •[La abraza]. Miss Prism. •[Con entusiasmo]. •¡Frederick! •¡Por fin!
•Algernon. •Cecily! •[Embraces her.] •At last!	•Algernon. •¡Cecily! •[La abraza]. •¡Por fin!
•Jack. •Gwendolen! •[Embraces her.] •At last!	•Jack. •¡Gwendolen! •[La abraza]. •¡Por fin!
•Lady Bracknell. •My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.	•Lady Bracknell. •Mi sobrino, pareces exibir signos de trivialidad.
•Jack. •On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.	•Jack. •Al contrario, tía Augusta, acabo de darme cuenta por primera vez en mi vida de la importancia vital de llamarse Ernesto.
•TABLEAU *END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST*	•TELÓN * FIN DEL PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LA IMPORTANCIA DE LLAMARSE ERNESTO *

unit 1

The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.
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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.
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A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
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By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
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THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY 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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ACT III.
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SCENE Morning-room at the Manor House.
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[Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]
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Gwendolen.
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The fact that they did not follow us at once into the house, as any one else would have done, seems to me to show that they have some sense of shame left.
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Cecily.
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They have been eating muffins.
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That looks like repentance.
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Gwendolen.
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[After a pause.]
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They don’t seem to notice us at all.
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Couldn’t you cough?
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Cecily.
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But I haven’t got a cough.
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Gwendolen.
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They’re looking at us.
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What effrontery!
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Cecily.
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They’re approaching.
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That’s very forward of them.
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Gwendolen.
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Let us preserve a dignified silence.
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Cecily.
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Certainly.
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It’s the only thing to do now.
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[Enter Jack followed by Algernon.
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They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.]
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Gwendolen.
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This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect.
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Cecily.
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A most distasteful one.
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Gwendolen.
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But we will not be the first to speak.
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Cecily.
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Certainly not.
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Gwendolen.
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Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you.
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Much depends on your reply.
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Cecily.
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Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable.
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Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question.
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Why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?
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Algernon.
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In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
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Cecily.
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[To Gwendolen.]
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That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
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Gwendolen.
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Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
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Cecily.
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I don’t.
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But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
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Gwendolen.
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True.
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In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.
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Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother?
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Was it in order that you might have an opportunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible?
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Jack.
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Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?
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Gwendolen.
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I have the gravest doubts upon the subject.
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But I intend to crush them.
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This is not the moment for German scepticism.
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[Moving to Cecily.]
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Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s.
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That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.
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Cecily.
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I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said.
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His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.
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Gwendolen.
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Then you think we should forgive them?
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Cecily.
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Yes.
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I mean no.
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Gwendolen.
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True!
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I had forgotten.
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There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender.
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Which of us should tell them?
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The task is not a pleasant one.
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Cecily.
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Could we not both speak at the same time?
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Gwendolen.
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An excellent idea!
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I nearly always speak at the same time as other people.
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Will you take the time from me?
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Cecily.
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Certainly.
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[Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.]
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Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.]
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Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier.
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That is all!
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Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.]
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Our Christian names!
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Is that all?
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But we are going to be christened this afternoon.
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Gwendolen.
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[To Jack.]
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For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?
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Jack.
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I am.
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Cecily.
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[To Algernon.]
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To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
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Algernon.
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I am!
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Gwendolen.
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How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes!
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Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us.
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Jack.
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We are.
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[Clasps hands with Algernon.]
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Cecily.
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They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing.
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Gwendolen.
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[To Jack.]
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Darling!
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unit 147

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

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unit 148

[To Cecily.]
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 149

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

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unit 150

[They fall into each other’s arms.]
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 151

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

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unit 152

When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 153

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

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unit 154

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

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unit 155

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

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unit 156

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

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unit 157

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

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unit 158

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

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unit 159

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

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unit 160

The couples separate in alarm.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 161

Exit Merriman.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 162

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

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unit 163

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

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unit 164

What does this mean?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 165

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

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unit 166

Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 167

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

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unit 168

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

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unit 169

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

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unit 170

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

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unit 171

Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 172

[Turns to Jack.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 173

Apprised, sir, of my daughter’s sudden flight by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once by a luggage train.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 174

Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent income on Thought.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 175

I do not propose to undeceive him.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 176

Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 177

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

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unit 178

But of course, you will clearly understand that all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 179

On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 180

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

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unit 181

I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 182

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

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unit 183

You are nothing of the kind, sir.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 184

And now, as regards Algernon!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 185

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

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unit 186

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

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unit 187

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

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unit 188

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

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unit 189

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

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unit 190

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

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unit 191

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

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unit 192

May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 193

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

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unit 194

[Stammering.]
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 195

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

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unit 196

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

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unit 197

Bunbury doesn’t live here.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 198

Bunbury is somewhere else at present.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 199

In fact, Bunbury is dead.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 200

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

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unit 201

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

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unit 202

When did Mr. Bunbury die?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 203

His death must have been extremely sudden.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 204

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

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unit 205

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

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unit 206

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

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unit 207

I killed Bunbury this afternoon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 208

I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 209

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

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unit 210

What did he die of?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 211

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

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unit 212

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

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unit 213

Oh, he was quite exploded.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 214

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

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unit 215

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

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unit 216

Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 217

I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 218

If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 219

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

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unit 220

My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 221

The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 222

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

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unit 223

He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 224

I am glad, however, that he made up his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted under proper medical advice.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 225

And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr. Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 226

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

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unit 227

That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 228

[Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 229

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

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unit 230

I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 231

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

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unit 232

I beg your pardon?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 233

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

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unit 234

Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 235

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

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unit 236

[With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 237

I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 238

I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 239

Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 240

I merely desire information.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 241

Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 242

[Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 243

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

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unit 244

[In a clear, cold voice.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 245

Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 246

; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 247

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

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unit 248

That sounds not unsatisfactory.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 249

Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 250

But what proof have I of their authenticity?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 251

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

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unit 252

I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 253

They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 254

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

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unit 255

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

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unit 256

I have known strange errors in that publication.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 257

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

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unit 258

Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 259

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

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unit 260

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

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unit 261

A firm of the very highest position in their profession.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 262

Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby’s is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 263

So far I am satisfied.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 264

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

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unit 265

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

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unit 266

How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell!
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 267

I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew’s birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both the German and the English variety.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 268

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

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unit 269

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

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unit 270

A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 271

I am not myself in favour of premature experiences.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 272

[Rises, looks at her watch.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 273

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

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unit 274

the time approaches for our departure.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 275

We have not a moment to lose.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 276

As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 277

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

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unit 278

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

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unit 279

about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 280

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

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unit 281

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

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unit 282

So pleased to have seen you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 283

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

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unit 284

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

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unit 285

A moment, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 286

A hundred and thirty thousand pounds!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 287

And in the Funds!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 288

Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 289

Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 290

We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 291

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

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unit 292

Come over here, dear.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 293

[Cecily goes across.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 294

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

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unit 295

your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 296

But we can soon alter all that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 297

A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 298

I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 299

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

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unit 300

And after six months nobody knew her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 301

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

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unit 302

[Glares at Jack for a few moments.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 303

Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 304

Kindly turn round, sweet child.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 305

[Cecily turns completely round.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 306

No, the side view is what I want.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 307

[Cecily presents her profile.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 308

Yes, quite as I expected.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 309

There are distinct social possibilities in your profile.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 310

The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 311

The chin a little higher, dear.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 312

Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 313

They are worn very high, just at present.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 314

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

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unit 315

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

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unit 316

Yes, Aunt Augusta!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 317

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

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unit 318

There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 319

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

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unit 320

Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 321

And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 322

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

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unit 323

Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 324

Only people who can’t get into it do that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 325

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

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unit 326

Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 327

But I do not approve of mercenary marriages.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 328

When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 329

But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 330

Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 331

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

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unit 332

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

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unit 333

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

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unit 334

Cecily, you may kiss me!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 335

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

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unit 336

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

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unit 337

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

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unit 338

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

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unit 339

You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 340

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

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unit 341

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

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unit 342

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

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unit 343

The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 344

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

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unit 345

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

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unit 346

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

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unit 347

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

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unit 348

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

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unit 349

To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 350

They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 351

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

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unit 352

I beg your pardon for interrupting you, Lady Bracknell, but this engagement is quite out of the question.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 353

I am Miss Cardew’s guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she comes of age.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 354

That consent I absolutely decline to give.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 355

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

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unit 356

Upon what grounds may I ask?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 357

Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 358

He has nothing, but he looks everything.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 359

What more can one desire?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 360

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

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unit 361

It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not approve at all of his moral character.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 362

I suspect him of being untruthful.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 363

[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 364

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

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unit 365

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

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unit 366

My nephew Algernon?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 367

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

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unit 368

He is an Oxonian.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 369

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

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unit 370

I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 371

This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 372

Under an assumed name he drank, I’ve just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving for myself.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 373

Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 374

He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 375

And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don’t intend to have a brother, not even of any kind.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 376

I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 377

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

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unit 378

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

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unit 379

Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook my nephew’s conduct to you.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 380

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

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unit 381

That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 382

My own decision, however, is unalterable.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 383

I decline to give my consent.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 384

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

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unit 385

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

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unit 386

Come here, sweet child.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 387

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

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unit 388

How old are you, dear?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 389

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

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unit 390

Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 391

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

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unit 392

You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 393

Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 394

It looks so calculating .
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 395

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

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unit 396

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

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unit 397

[In a meditative manner.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 398

Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 399

Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 400

So I don’t think your guardian’s consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 401

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

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unit 402

Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather’s will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 403

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

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unit 404

That does not seem to me to be a grave objection.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 405

Thirty-five is a very attractive age.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 406

London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 407

Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 408

To my own knowledge she has been thirty-five ever since she arrived at the age of forty, which was many years ago now.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 409

I see no reason why our dear Cecily should not be even still more attractive at the age you mention than she is at present.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 410

There will be a large accumulation of property.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 411

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

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unit 412

Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 413

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

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unit 414

Of course I could, Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 415

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

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unit 416

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

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unit 417

Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 418

I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 419

It always makes me rather cross.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 420

I am not punctual myself, I know, but I do like punctuality in others, and waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 421

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

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unit 422

Then what is to be done, Cecily?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 423

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

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unit 424

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

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unit 425

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

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unit 426

My dear Mr. Worthing, as Miss Cardew states positively that she cannot wait till she is thirty-five—a remark which I am bound to say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient nature—I would beg of you to reconsider your decision.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 427

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

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unit 428

But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 429

The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my ward.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 430

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

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unit 431

[Rising and drawing herself up.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 432

You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of the question.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 433

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

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unit 434

Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward to.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 435

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

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unit 436

That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 437

Algernon, of course, can choose for himself.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 438

[Pulls out her watch.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 439

Come, dear, [Gwendolen rises] we have already missed five, if not six, trains.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 440

To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform.
4 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 441

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

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unit 442

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

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unit 443

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

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unit 444

Everything is quite ready for the christenings.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 445

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

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unit 446

The christenings, sir!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 447

Is not that somewhat premature?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 448

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

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unit 449

[Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 450

Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 451

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

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unit 452

At their age?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 453

The idea is grotesque and irreligious!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 454

Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 455

I will not hear of such excesses.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 456

Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 457

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

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unit 458

Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 459

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

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unit 460

I don’t think that, as things are now, it would be of much practical value to either of us, Dr. Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 461

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

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unit 462

I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 463

They savour of the heretical views of the Anabaptists, views that I have completely refuted in four of my unpublished sermons.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 464

However, as your present mood seems to be one peculiarly secular, I will return to the church at once.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 465

Indeed, I have just been informed by the pew-opener that for the last hour and a half Miss Prism has been waiting for me in the vestry.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 466

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

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unit 467

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

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unit 468

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

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unit 469

Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 470

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

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unit 471

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

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unit 472

I am on my way to join her.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 473

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

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unit 474

Pray allow me to detain you for a moment.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 475

This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 476

Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with education?
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 477

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

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unit 478

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

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unit 479

She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 480

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

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unit 481

It is obviously the same person.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 482

May I ask what position she holds in your household?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 483

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

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unit 484

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

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unit 485

I am a celibate, madam.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 486

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

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unit 487

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

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unit 488

Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years Miss Cardew’s esteemed governess and valued companion.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 489

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

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unit 490

In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 491

Let her be sent for.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 492

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

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unit 493

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

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unit 494

She approaches; she is nigh.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 495

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

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unit 496

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

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unit 497

I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 498

I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 499

[Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony glare.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 500

Miss Prism grows pale and quails.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 501

She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 502

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

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unit 503

[In a severe, judicial voice.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 504

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

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unit 505

[Miss Prism bows her head in shame.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 506

Come here, Prism!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 507

[Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 508

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

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unit 509

Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 510

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

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unit 511

The Canon starts back in horror.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 512

Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 513

Twenty-eight years ago, Prism, you left Lord Bracknell’s house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor Street, in charge of a perambulator that contained a baby of the male sex.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 514

You never returned.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 515

A few weeks later, through the elaborate investigations of the Metropolitan police, the perambulator was discovered at midnight, standing by itself in a remote corner of Bayswater.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 516

It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually revolting sentimentality.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 517

[Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 518

But the baby was not there!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 519

[Every one looks at Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 520

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

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unit 521

Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 522

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

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unit 523

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

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unit 524

Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 525

I only wish I did.
3 Translations, 7 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 526

The plain facts of the case are these.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 527

On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is for ever branded on my memory, I prepared as usual to take the baby out in its perambulator.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 528

I had also with me a somewhat old, but capacious hand-bag in which I had intended to place the manuscript of a work of fiction that I had written during my few unoccupied hours.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 529

In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I never can forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the basinette, and placed the baby in the hand-bag.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 530

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

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unit 531

[Who has been listening attentively.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 532

But where did you deposit the hand-bag?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 533

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

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unit 534

Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 535

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

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unit 536

Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 537

I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 538

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

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unit 539

I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 540

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

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unit 541

What railway station?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 542

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

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unit 543

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

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unit 544

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

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unit 545

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

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unit 546

[Sinks into a chair.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 547

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

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unit 548

I must retire to my room for a moment.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 549

Gwendolen, wait here for me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 550

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

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unit 551

If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 552

[Exit Jack in great excitement.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 553

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

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unit 554

What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 555

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

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unit 556

I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 557

I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 558

They are hardly considered the thing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 559

[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 560

Every one looks up.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 561

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

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unit 562

Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 563

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

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unit 564

Your guardian has a very emotional nature.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 565

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

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unit 566

This noise is extremely unpleasant.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 567

It sounds as if he was having an argument.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 568

I dislike arguments of any kind.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 569

They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 570

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

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unit 571

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

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unit 572

It has stopped now.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 573

[The noise is redoubled.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 574

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

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unit 575

I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 576

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

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unit 577

This suspense is terrible.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 578

I hope it will last.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 579

[Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]
1 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

[Rushing over to Miss Prism.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 582

Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 583

Examine it carefully before you speak.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 584

The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 585

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

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unit 586

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

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unit 587

It seems to be mine.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 588

Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier days.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 589

Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 590

And here, on the lock, are my initials.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 591

I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 592

The bag is undoubtedly mine.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 593

I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 594

It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 595

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

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unit 596

[In a pathetic voice.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 597

Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 598

I was the baby you placed in it.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 599

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

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unit 600

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

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unit 601

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

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unit 602

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

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unit 603

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

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unit 604

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

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unit 605

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

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unit 606

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

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unit 607

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

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unit 608

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

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unit 609

[Recoiling in indignant astonishment.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 610

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

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unit 611

I am unmarried!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 612

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

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unit 613

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

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unit 614

I do not deny that is a serious blow.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 615

But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 616

Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 617

Why should there be one law for men, and another for women?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 618

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

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unit 619

[Tries to embrace her again.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 620

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

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unit 621

[Still more indignant.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 622

Mr. Worthing, there is some error.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 623

[Pointing to Lady Bracknell.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 624

There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 625

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

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unit 626

[After a pause.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 627

Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 628

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

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unit 629

I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 630

You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon’s elder brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 631

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

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unit 632

Algy’s elder brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 633

Then I have a brother after all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 634

I knew I had a brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 635

I always said I had a brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 636

Cecily,—how could you have ever doubted that I had a brother?
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 637

[Seizes hold of Algernon.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 638

Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 639

Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 640

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

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unit 641

Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more respect in the future.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 642

You have never behaved to me like a brother in all your life.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 643

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

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unit 644

Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit.
4 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 645

I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 646

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

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unit 647

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

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unit 648

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

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unit 649

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

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unit 650

But what own are you?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 651

What is your Christian name, now that you have become some one else?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 652

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

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unit 653

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

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unit 654

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

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unit 655

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

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unit 656

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

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unit 657

I had quite forgotten that point.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 658

Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I suppose?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 659

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

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unit 660

I never change, except in my affections.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 661

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

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unit 662

What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 663

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

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unit 664

Then the question had better be cleared up at once.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 665

Aunt Augusta, a moment.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 666

At the time when Miss Prism left me in the hand-bag, had I been christened already?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 667

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

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unit 668

Every luxury that money could buy, including christening, had been lavished on you by your fond and doting parents.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 669

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

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unit 670

Then I was christened!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 671

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

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unit 672

Now, what name was I given?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 673

Let me know the worst.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 674

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

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unit 675

Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 676

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

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unit 677

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

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unit 678

Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 679

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

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unit 680

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

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unit 681

I cannot at the present moment recall what the General’s Christian name was.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 682

But I have no doubt he had one.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 683

He was eccentric, I admit.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 684

But only in later years.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 685

And that was the result of the Indian climate, and marriage, and indigestion, and other things of that kind.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 686

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

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unit 687

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

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unit 688

Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 689

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

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unit 690

My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago

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unit 691

He died before I was a year old.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 692

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

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unit 693

His name would appear in the Army Lists of the period, I suppose, Aunt Augusta?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 694

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

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unit 695

The General was essentially a man of peace, except in his domestic life.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 696

But I have no doubt his name would appear in any military directory.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 697

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

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unit 698

The Army Lists of the last forty years are here.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 699

These delightful records should have been my constant study.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 700

[Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 701

M. Generals .
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 702

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

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unit 703

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

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unit 704

Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, what ghastly names they have—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 705

Lieutenant 1840, Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest John.
3 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 706

[Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.]
4 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 707

I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn’t I?
2 Translations, 7 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 708

Well, it is Ernest after all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 709

I mean it naturally is Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 710

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

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unit 711

Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for disliking the name.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 712

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

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unit 713

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

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unit 714

My own Ernest!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 715

I felt from the first that you could have no other name!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 716

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

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unit 717

Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 718

Can you forgive me?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 719

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

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unit 720

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

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unit 721

For I feel that you are sure to change.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 722

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

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unit 723

My own one!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 724

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

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unit 725

[To Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 726

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

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unit 727

[Embraces her] Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 728

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

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unit 729

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

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unit 730

At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 731

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

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unit 732

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

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unit 733

[Embraces her.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 734

At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 735

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

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unit 736

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

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unit 737

[Embraces her.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 738

At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 739

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

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unit 740

My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 741

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

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unit 742

On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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unit 743

TABLEAU ***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST***
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago

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Una propuesta, ya que el texto propuesto por Ernesto ha tenido tanto éxito. ¿Por qué no empezamos por el primer acto? Ya que es una comedia de enredos, sería mucho mejor seguir la trama desde el principio. Traduzco ahora una frase para localizarlo.

by terehola 7 years, 4 months ago

De acuerdo

by terehola 7 years, 4 months ago

Tal vez fuera conveniente establecer el nombre definitivo de los personajes, ¿se traducen?, ¿se respetan los originales? Lo que no puede ser es traducir unos sí y otros no. Sucede lo mismo con miss, etc. Yo sería partidario de mantener los nombres originales en todos los casos, es decir, los de persona y todos los demás, para no caer en contradicciones.

by Santxiki 7 years, 4 months ago

The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar
Wilde.

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.

ACT III.

SCENE
Morning-room at the Manor House.
[Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]
Gwendolen. The fact that they did not follow us at once into the house, as any one else would have done, seems to me to show that they have some sense of shame left.
Cecily. They have been eating muffins. That looks like repentance.
Gwendolen. [After a pause.] They don’t seem to notice us at all. Couldn’t you cough?
Cecily. But I haven’t got a cough.
Gwendolen. They’re looking at us. What effrontery!
Cecily. They’re approaching. That’s very forward of them.
Gwendolen. Let us preserve a dignified silence.
Cecily. Certainly. It’s the only thing to do now. [Enter Jack followed by Algernon. They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.]
Gwendolen. This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect.
Cecily. A most distasteful one.
Gwendolen. But we will not be the first to speak.
Cecily. Certainly not.
Gwendolen. Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you. Much depends on your reply.
Cecily. Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question. Why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?
Algernon. In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
Cecily. [To Gwendolen.] That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
Gwendolen. Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
Cecily. I don’t. But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
Gwendolen. True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing. Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother? Was it in order that you might have an opportunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible?
Jack. Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?
Gwendolen. I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. But I intend to crush them. This is not the moment for German scepticism. [Moving to Cecily.] Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s. That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.
Cecily. I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.
Gwendolen. Then you think we should forgive them?
Cecily. Yes. I mean no.
Gwendolen. True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant one.
Cecily. Could we not both speak at the same time?
Gwendolen. An excellent idea! I nearly always speak at the same time as other people. Will you take the time from me?
Cecily. Certainly. [Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.]
Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all!
Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon.
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?
Jack. I am.
Cecily. [To Algernon.] To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
Algernon. I am!
Gwendolen. How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us.
Jack. We are. [Clasps hands with Algernon.]
Cecily. They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing.
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] Darling!
Algernon. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.]
[Enter Merriman. When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]
Merriman. Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell!
Jack. Good heavens!
[Enter Lady Bracknell. The couples separate in alarm. Exit Merriman.]
Lady Bracknell. Gwendolen! What does this mean?
Gwendolen. Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
Lady Bracknell. Come here. Sit down. Sit down immediately. Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old. [Turns to Jack.] Apprised, sir, of my daughter’s sudden flight by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once by a luggage train. Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent income on Thought. I do not propose to undeceive him. Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question. I would consider it wrong. But of course, you will clearly understand that all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment. On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
Jack. I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!
Lady Bracknell. You are nothing of the kind, sir. And now, as regards Algernon! . . . Algernon!
Algernon. Yes, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides?
Algernon. [Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn’t live here. Bunbury is somewhere else at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead.
Lady Bracknell. Dead! When did Mr. Bunbury die? His death must have been extremely sudden.
Algernon. [Airily.] Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.
Lady Bracknell. What did he die of?
Algernon. Bunbury? Oh, he was quite exploded.
Lady Bracknell. Exploded! Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage? I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
Algernon. My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died.
Lady Bracknell. He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians. I am glad, however, that he made up his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted under proper medical advice. And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr. Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?
Jack. That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward. [Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]
Algernon. I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. I beg your pardon?
Cecily. Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]
Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity?
Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication.
Jack. Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.
Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby’s is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied.
Jack. [Very irritably.] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew’s birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both the German and the English variety.
Lady Bracknell. Ah! A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl. I am not myself in favour of premature experiences. [Rises, looks at her watch.] Gwendolen! the time approaches for our departure. We have not a moment to lose. As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune?
Jack. Oh! about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds. That is all. Goodbye, Lady Bracknell. So pleased to have seen you.
Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down again.] A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. [To Cecily.] Come over here, dear. [Cecily goes across.] Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all that. A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her.
Jack. And after six months nobody knew her.
Lady Bracknell. [Glares at Jack for a few moments. Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.] Kindly turn round, sweet child. [Cecily turns completely round.] No, the side view is what I want. [Cecily presents her profile.] Yes, quite as I expected. There are distinct social possibilities in your profile. The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile. The chin a little higher, dear. Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present. Algernon!
Algernon. Yes, Aunt Augusta!
Lady Bracknell. There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.
Algernon. Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.
Lady Bracknell. Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can’t get into it do that. [To Cecily.] Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon. But I do not approve of mercenary marriages. When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind. But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way. Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
Algernon. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Cecily, you may kiss me!
Cecily. [Kisses her.] Thank you, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
Cecily. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
Algernon. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Cecily. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
Jack. I beg your pardon for interrupting you, Lady Bracknell, but this engagement is quite out of the question. I am Miss Cardew’s guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she comes of age. That consent I absolutely decline to give.
Lady Bracknell. Upon what grounds may I ask? Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man. He has nothing, but he looks everything. What more can one desire?
Jack. It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not approve at all of his moral character. I suspect him of being untruthful. [Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
Lady Bracknell. Untruthful! My nephew Algernon? Impossible! He is an Oxonian.
Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I’ve just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don’t intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.
Lady Bracknell. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook my nephew’s conduct to you.
Jack. That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell. My own decision, however, is unalterable. I decline to give my consent.
Lady Bracknell. [To Cecily.] Come here, sweet child. [Cecily goes over.] How old are you, dear?
Cecily. Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties.
Lady Bracknell. You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. It looks so calculating . . . [In a meditative manner.] Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage. So I don’t think your guardian’s consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.
Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather’s will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five.
Lady Bracknell. That does not seem to me to be a grave objection. Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years. Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point. To my own knowledge she has been thirty-five ever since she arrived at the age of forty, which was many years ago now. I see no reason why our dear Cecily should not be even still more attractive at the age you mention than she is at present. There will be a large accumulation of property.
Cecily. Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
Algernon. Of course I could, Cecily. You know I could.
Cecily. Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time. I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody. It always makes me rather cross. I am not punctual myself, I know, but I do like punctuality in others, and waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question.
Algernon. Then what is to be done, Cecily?
Cecily. I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff.
Lady Bracknell. My dear Mr. Worthing, as Miss Cardew states positively that she cannot wait till she is thirty-five—a remark which I am bound to say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient nature—I would beg of you to reconsider your decision.
Jack. But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands. The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my ward.
Lady Bracknell. [Rising and drawing herself up.] You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of the question.
Jack. Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward to.
Lady Bracknell. That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen. Algernon, of course, can choose for himself. [Pulls out her watch.] Come, dear, [Gwendolen rises] we have already missed five, if not six, trains. To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform.
[Enter Dr. Chasuble.]
Chasuble. Everything is quite ready for the christenings.
Lady Bracknell. The christenings, sir! Is not that somewhat premature?
Chasuble. [Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.] Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.
Lady Bracknell. At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.
Chasuble. Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?
Jack. I don’t think that, as things are now, it would be of much practical value to either of us, Dr. Chasuble.
Chasuble. I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing. They savour of the heretical views of the Anabaptists, views that I have completely refuted in four of my unpublished sermons. However, as your present mood seems to be one peculiarly secular, I will return to the church at once. Indeed, I have just been informed by the pew-opener that for the last hour and a half Miss Prism has been waiting for me in the vestry.
Lady Bracknell. [Starting.] Miss Prism! Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?
Chasuble. Yes, Lady Bracknell. I am on my way to join her.
Lady Bracknell. Pray allow me to detain you for a moment. This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself. Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with education?
Chasuble. [Somewhat indignantly.] She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.
Lady Bracknell. It is obviously the same person. May I ask what position she holds in your household?
Chasuble. [Severely.] I am a celibate, madam.
Jack. [Interposing.] Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years Miss Cardew’s esteemed governess and valued companion.
Lady Bracknell. In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once. Let her be sent for.
Chasuble. [Looking off.] She approaches; she is nigh.
[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]
Miss Prism. I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon. I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters. [Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony glare. Miss Prism grows pale and quails. She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]
Lady Bracknell. [In a severe, judicial voice.] Prism! [Miss Prism bows her head in shame.] Come here, Prism! [Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.] Prism! Where is that baby? [General consternation. The Canon starts back in horror. Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.] Twenty-eight years ago, Prism, you left Lord Bracknell’s house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor Street, in charge of a perambulator that contained a baby of the male sex. You never returned. A few weeks later, through the elaborate investigations of the Metropolitan police, the perambulator was discovered at midnight, standing by itself in a remote corner of Bayswater. It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually revolting sentimentality. [Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.] But the baby was not there! [Every one looks at Miss Prism.] Prism! Where is that baby? [A pause.]
Miss Prism. Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know. I only wish I did. The plain facts of the case are these. On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is for ever branded on my memory, I prepared as usual to take the baby out in its perambulator. I had also with me a somewhat old, but capacious hand-bag in which I had intended to place the manuscript of a work of fiction that I had written during my few unoccupied hours. In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I never can forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the basinette, and placed the baby in the hand-bag.
Jack. [Who has been listening attentively.] But where did you deposit the hand-bag?
Miss Prism. Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.
Jack. Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me. I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.
Miss Prism. I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.
Jack. What railway station?
Miss Prism. [Quite crushed.] Victoria. The Brighton line. [Sinks into a chair.]
Jack. I must retire to my room for a moment. Gwendolen, wait here for me.
Gwendolen. If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life. [Exit Jack in great excitement.]
Chasuble. What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
Lady Bracknell. I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble. I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur. They are hardly considered the thing.
[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about. Every one looks up.]
Cecily. Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
Chasuble. Your guardian has a very emotional nature.
Lady Bracknell. This noise is extremely unpleasant. It sounds as if he was having an argument. I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
Chasuble. [Looking up.] It has stopped now. [The noise is redoubled.]
Lady Bracknell. I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
Gwendolen. This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last. [Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]
Jack. [Rushing over to Miss Prism.] Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism? Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
Miss Prism. [Calmly.] It seems to be mine. Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier days. Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington. And here, on the lock, are my initials. I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there. The bag is undoubtedly mine. I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me. It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.
Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it.
Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You?
Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother!
Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried!
Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.]
Miss Prism. [Still more indignant.] Mr. Worthing, there is some error. [Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.
Jack. [After a pause.] Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?
Lady Bracknell. I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you. You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon’s elder brother.
Jack. Algy’s elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I had a brother! I always said I had a brother! Cecily,—how could you have ever doubted that I had a brother? [Seizes hold of Algernon.] Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother. Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother. Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother. Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more respect in the future. You have never behaved to me like a brother in all your life.
Algernon. Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit. I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.
[Shakes hands.]
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] My own! But what own are you? What is your Christian name, now that you have become some one else?
Jack. Good heavens! . . . I had quite forgotten that point. Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I suppose?
Gwendolen. I never change, except in my affections.
Cecily. What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!
Jack. Then the question had better be cleared up at once. Aunt Augusta, a moment. At the time when Miss Prism left me in the hand-bag, had I been christened already?
Lady Bracknell. Every luxury that money could buy, including christening, had been lavished on you by your fond and doting parents.
Jack. Then I was christened! That is settled. Now, what name was I given? Let me know the worst.
Lady Bracknell. Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
Jack. [Irritably.] Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?
Lady Bracknell. [Meditatively.] I cannot at the present moment recall what the General’s Christian name was. But I have no doubt he had one. He was eccentric, I admit. But only in later years. And that was the result of the Indian climate, and marriage, and indigestion, and other things of that kind.
Jack. Algy! Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?
Algernon. My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms. He died before I was a year old.
Jack. His name would appear in the Army Lists of the period, I suppose, Aunt Augusta?
Lady Bracknell. The General was essentially a man of peace, except in his domestic life. But I have no doubt his name would appear in any military directory.
Jack. The Army Lists of the last forty years are here. These delightful records should have been my constant study. [Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.] M. Generals . . . Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, what ghastly names they have—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff! Lieutenant 1840, Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest John. [Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.] I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn’t I? Well, it is Ernest after all. I mean it naturally is Ernest.
Lady Bracknell. Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for disliking the name.
Gwendolen. Ernest! My own Ernest! I felt from the first that you could have no other name!
Jack. Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?
Gwendolen. I can. For I feel that you are sure to change.
Jack. My own one!
Chasuble. [To Miss Prism.] Lætitia! [Embraces her]
Miss Prism. [Enthusiastically.] Frederick! At last!
Algernon. Cecily! [Embraces her.] At last!
Jack. Gwendolen! [Embraces her.] At last!
Lady Bracknell. My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
Jack. On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.
TABLEAU
***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST***