The Importance of Being Earnest - Act III
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The Project Gutenberg eBook, La importancia de llamarse Ernesto, por Oscar Wilde.

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.

Título: La importancia de llamarse Ernesto. Una comedia frívola para gente seria.

Autor: Oscar Wilde

Fecha de realización: 29 de agosto de 2006 [ebook #844]

Lengua: Inglés.

Transcrito de la edición de Methuen & Co. Ltd de 1915, por David Prie, email ccx074@pglaf.org.

Fuente: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.

La importancia de llamarse Ernesto.

Una comedia frívola para gente seria.

Por Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

Los personajes en la obra John Worthing, JP.
Algernon Moncrieff.
Reverendoi Canon Chasuble, DD.
Merriman, Butler.
Lane, Manservant.
Lady Bracknell.
Honorable Gwendolen Fairfax.
Cecily Cardew.
Miss Prism, institutriz.

Las escenas de la obra

Acto I. Departamento de Algernon Moncrieff en la calle Half-Moon, W.Acto II. El jardín en la casa de campo, Woolton.
Acto III. Salón en la casa de campo,Woolton.

Tiempo: El presente.

Acto III.

ESCENA Salón matutino en la casa de campo.
[Gwendolen y Cecily junto a la ventana, mirando hacia el jardín].
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. Han estado comiendo panecillos. Eso parece arrepentimiento.
Gwendolen. [Tras una pausa.] No parece que hayan reparado en nosotros en absoluto. ¿No podías toser?
Cecily. Pero no tengo tos.
Gwendolen. Están mirándonos. ¡Qué descaro!
Cecily. Se están acercando. Es muy atrevido por su parte.
Gwendolen. Mantengamos un decoroso silencio.
Cecily. Sin duda. Es lo único a hacer ahora. [Entra Jack seguido de Algernon. Silban alguna horrorosa canción popular de un ópera británica.]
Gwendolen. Este decoroso silencio parece producir un efecto poco agradable.
Cecily. De lo más desagradable.
Gwendolen. Pero no seremos las primeras en hablar.
Cecily. Ciertamente no.
Gwendolen. Sr. Worthing, tengo algo muy particular que preguntarle. Depende mucho de su respuesta.
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. Con el objeto de que pueda tener una oportunidad de conocerla.
Cecily. [A Gwendolen.] Esa parece verdaderamente una explicación satisfactoria, ¿no es así?
Gwendolen. Sí, querida,si es que puedes creer en él.
Cecily. No puedo. Pero eso no afecta a la maravillosa belleza de su respuesta.
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. ¿Puede dudarlo, señorita Fairfax?
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. Estoy más que satisfecha con lo que dijo el Sr. Moncrieff. Solo su voz inspira absoluta confianza.
Gwendolen. ¿Entonces piensa que debemos perdonarlos?
Cecily. Sí. Quiero decir, no.
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. ¿No podríamos hablar las dos a la vez?
Gwendolen. ¡Una idea excelente! Yo casi siempre hablo al mismo tiempo que los demás. ¿Aceptarías tomar mi tiempo?
Cecily. ¡Con mucho gusto! [Gwendolen lleva el compás con el dedo elevado].
Gwendolen y Cecilia [Hablando al mismo tiempo]. Vuestros nombres de pila son todavía una barrera insuperable. ¡Eso es todo!
Jack y Algernon [Hablando al mismo tiempo]. ¡Nuestros nombres de pila! ¿Eso es todo? ¡Pero vamos a ser bautizados esta tarde!
Gwendolen. [A Jack]. ¿Está dispuesto a hacer algo tan terrible por mí?
Jack. Lo estoy.
Cecily. [A Algernon]. ¿Para agradarme está dispuesto a afrontar esa espantosa experiencia?
Algernon. ¡Sí!
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. Estamos. [Se da la mano con Algernon].
Cecily. Ellos tienen momentos de valentía física de los cuales nosotras las mujeres no tenemos ni idea.
Gwendolen. [A Jack]. ¡Querido!
Algernon. [A Cecily]. ¡Querida! [Caen en brazos de sus respectivas parejas].
[Entra Merriman. Cuando entra, tose ruidosamente, al ver la situación].
Merriman. ¡Ejem! ¡Ejem! ¡Lady Bracknell!
Jack. ¡Cielo santo!
[Entra Lady Bracknell. Las parejas se separan alarmadas. Sale Merriman.]
Lady Bracknell. ¡Gwendolen! ¿Qué significa esto?
Gwendolen. Simplemente que estoy comprometida para casarme con el Sr. Worthing, mamá.
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. ¡Estoy prometido con Gwendolen para casarme, Lady Bracknell!
Lady Bracknell. Nada de eso, señor. ¡Y ahora, con respecto a Algernon! . . . ¡Algernon!
Algernon. Sí, tía Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. ¿Puedo preguntarte si es en esta casa, donde reside tu amigo inválido, el señor Bunbury?
Algernon. [Tartamudeando]. ¡Oh! ¡No! Bunbury no vive aquí. Bunbury está en otra parte actualmente. De hecho, Bunbury esta muerto.
Lady Bracknell. ¡Muerto! ¿Y cuándo murió el señor Bunbury? Su muerte debió ser extremadamente repentina.
Algernon. [Distraidamente]. ¡Oh! Maté a Bunbury esta tarde. Quiero decir, pobre Bunbury, murió esta tarde.
Lady Bracknell. ¿Y de qué murió?
Algernon. ¿Bunbury? Oh, el estaba bastante reventado.
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. ¡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 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. Esa dama es la señorita Cecily Cardew, mi pupila. [Lady Bracknell se inclina fríamente hacia Cecily].
Algernon. Estoy comprometido para casarme con Cecily, tía Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. ¿Cómo dice?
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. [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. Eso no suena insatisfactorio. Tres direcciones siempre inspiran confianza, aún en comerciantes. Pero ¿qué prueba tengo de su autenticidad?
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. Los abogados de la familia de la señorita Cardew son los Sres Markby, Markby, y Markby.
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. [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! 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! unas ciento treinta mil libras en fondos de inversión. Eso es todo. Adiós, Lady Bracknell. Encantado de haberla visto.
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. Y seis meses después nadie la reconocía.
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. Sí, tía Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Hay posibilidades sociales concretas en el perfil de Miss Cardew.
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. 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. Gracias, tía Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. ¡Cecily puedes besarme!
Cecily. [La besa]. Gracias, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. Puedes también llamarme tía Augusta en el futuro.
Cecily. Gracias, tía Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. La boda, creo, sería mejor que tuviese lugar bastante pronto.
Algernon. Gracias, tía Augusta.
Cecily. Gracias, tía Augusta.
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. 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. ¿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. 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. ¡Mentiroso! ¿Mi sobrino Algernon? ¡Imposible! Es un Oxon.
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. ¡Ejem! Mr. Worthing, después de una minuciosa consideración he decidido pasar por alto el comportamiento de mi sobrino con usted.
Jack. Es muy generoso de su parte, Lady Bracknell. Mi propia decisión, sin embargo, es inalterable. Me niego a dar mi consentimiento.
Lady Bracknell. [A Cecily]. Ven aquí, querida niña. [Cecily se acerca]. ¿Cuántos años tienes?
Cecily. Bueno, en realidad solo dieciocho, pero siempre digo que tengo veinte cuando voy a fiestas nocturnas.
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. 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. 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, ¿podrías esperar por mí hasta que tenga treinta y cinco?
Algernon. Por supuesto que podría, Cecily. Sabes que podría.
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. ¿Entonces qué se debe hacer, Cecily?
Cecily. No lo sé, señor Moncrieff.
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. 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. [Levantándose y formulando una declaración]. Debe ser consciente que lo que usted propone está fuera de consideración.
Jack. Entonces una apasionada soltería es todo lo que cualquiera de nosotros puede esperar.
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.
[Entra el Dr. Chasuble]. Chasuble. Todo está totalmente listo para los bautismos.
Lady Bracknell. ¡Los bautismos, señor! ¿No es eso algo prematuro?
Chasuble. [Mirando más bien perplejo y apuntando a Jack y Algernon]. Ambos caballeros han expresado un deseo de bautismo inmediato.
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. ¿Entonces debo entender que no va haber ningún bautismo esta tarde?
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. [Sobresaltándose]. ¡Miss Prism! ¿Escuché que mencionó a Miss Prism?
Chasuble. Sí, Lady Bracknell. Estoy en camino a reunirme con ella.
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. [En cierto modo indignado]. Es la más educada de las damas y la imagen de respetabilidad.
Lady Bracknell. Es obviamente la misma persona. ¿Puedo preguntar que posición tiene ella en su casa?
Chasuble. [Severamente]. Soy un célibe, señora.
Jack. [Interviniendo]. Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, ha sido durante los tres últimos años la estimada institutriz y valiosa acompañante de Miss Cardew.
Lady Bracknell. A pesar de lo que oigo de ella, tengo que verla de inmediato. Envíen a buscarla.
Chasuble. [Mirando afuera]. Se aproxima; está cerca.
[Entra Miss Prism apresuradamente].
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. [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, 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. [Quien ha estado escuchando con mucha atención]. ¿Pero dónde depositó el maletín?
Miss Prism. No me lo pregunte, Mr. Worthing.
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. Lo dejé en el guardarropa de una de las estaciones más grandes de ferrocarril en Londres.
Jack. ¿Cuál estación de tren?
Miss Prism. [Bastante abrumada]. Victoria. Línea de Brighton. [Se deja caer en una silla].
Jack. Debo retirarme a mi habitación por un momento. Gwendolen, espérame aquí.
Gwendolen. Si no tardas demasiado, te esperaré aquí toda mi vida. [Sale Jack con gran excitación].
Chasuble. ¿Qué cree usted que significa esto, Lady Bracknell?
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.
[Se escuchan ruidos arriba como si alguien estuvera arrojando baúles de un lado al otro. Todos miran hacia arriba].
Cecily. El tío Jack parece estar extrañamente alterado.
Chasuble. Tu tutor tiene un carácter muy impulsivo.
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 [Mirando hacia arriba]. Ahora se ha detenido. [Se reanuda el ruido].
Lady Bracknell. Desearía que llegara a alguna conclusión.
Gwendolen. Este suspenso es terrible. Espero que dure. [Entra Jack con un bolso de cuero negro en la mano].
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. [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. [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. [Asombrada]. ¿Usted?
Jack. [Abrazándola]. Sí. . . ¡Madre!
Miss Prism. [Retrocediendo indignada y estupefacta]. ¡Mr. Worthing! ¡Soy soltera!
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. [Todavía más indignada]. Mr. Worthing, hay algún error. [Señalando a Lady Bracknell]. Hay una dama que puede decirle a usted quién es realmente.
Jack. [Después de una pausa]. Lady Bracknell, lamento parecer inquisitivo, pero amablemente,... ¿quisiera usted informarme quién soy?
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. ¡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. Bueno, no basta hoy, lo admito, muchacho. Sin embargo, aunque estaba fuera de entrenamiento, hice lo mejor que pude.
[Se estrechan las manos].
Gwendolen. [A Jack]. ¡Amor mío! Pero,... ¿cómo te llamas? ¿Cuál es tu nombre de pila, ahora que te has convertido en otra persona?
Jack. ¡Santo cielo! . . . Se me había olvidado ese punto. Supongo que,... ¿tu decisión con respecto a mi nombre es irrevocable?
Gwendolen. Nunca cambio, excepto en mis afectos.
Cecily. ¡Qué naturaleza tan noble la tuya,Gwendolen!
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. Cualquier lujo que el dinero pudiera comprar, incluyendo el bautismo, le había sido prodigado por sus indulgentes y cariñosos padres.
Jack. ¡Entonces me bautizaron! Está claro. Ahora, ¿qué nombre me pusieron? Permítame saber lo peor.
Lady Bracknell. Siendo el hijo mayor, usted fue bautizado lógicamente como su padre.
Jack. [Con irritación]. Sí, pero ¿cuál es el nombre de pila de mi padre?
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! ¿Puedes tú acordarte de cuál era el nombre de pila de nuestro padre?
Algernon. Mi querido muchacho, nunca jamás hablamos con palabras. Murió antes de que yo tuviera un año.
Jack. ¿Su nombre aparecería en la lista militar de la época, verdad, tía Augusta?
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. 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. Sí, ahora recuerdo que el general se llamaba Ernesto, sabía que tenía alguna razón particular para tener aversión a ese nombre.
Gwendolen. ¡Ernesto! ¡Mi propio Ernesto! ¡Sentí desde el primer momento que no podías tener otro nombre!
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. Sí. Porque siento que estás seguro de cambiar.
Jack. ¡Mi amor!
Chasuble. [A Miss Prism]. ¡Laetitia! [La abraza]. Miss Prism. [Con entusiasmo]. ¡Frederick! ¡Por fin!
Algernon. ¡Cecily! [La abraza]. ¡Por fin!
Jack. ¡Gwendolen! [La abraza]. ¡Por fin!
Lady Bracknell. Mi sobrino, pareces exibir signos de trivialidad.
Jack. Al contrario, tía Augusta, acabo de darme cuenta por primera vez en mi vida de la importancia vital de llamarse Ernesto.
TELÓN *** FIN DEL PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LA IMPORTANCIA DE LLAMARSE ERNESTO ***
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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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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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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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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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Algernon.
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[To Cecily.]
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Darling!
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[They fall into each other’s arms.]
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[Enter Merriman.
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When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]
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Merriman.
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Ahem!
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Ahem!
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Lady Bracknell!
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Jack.
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Good heavens!
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[Enter Lady Bracknell.
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The couples separate in alarm.
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Exit Merriman.]
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Lady Bracknell.
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Gwendolen!
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What does this mean?
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Gwendolen.
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Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
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Lady Bracknell.
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Come here.
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Sit down.
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Sit down immediately.
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Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old.
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[Turns to Jack.]
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I do not propose to undeceive him.
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Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question.
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I would consider it wrong.
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On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
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Jack.
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I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!
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Lady Bracknell.
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You are nothing of the kind, sir.
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And now, as regards Algernon!
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.
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.
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.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 188
Algernon!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 189
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 190
Yes, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 191
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 193
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 194
[Stammering.]
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 195
Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 196
No!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 197
Bunbury doesn’t live here.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 198
Bunbury is somewhere else at present.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 199
In fact, Bunbury is dead.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 200
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 201
Dead!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 202
When did Mr. Bunbury die?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 203
His death must have been extremely sudden.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 204
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 205
[Airily.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 206
Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 207
I killed Bunbury this afternoon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 208
I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 209
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 210
What did he die of?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 211
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 212
Bunbury?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 213
Oh, he was quite exploded.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 214
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 215
Exploded!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 216
Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 218
If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 219
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 220
My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 222
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 226
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 227
That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 228
[Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 229
Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 230
I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 231
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 232
I beg your pardon?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 233
Cecily.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 234
Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 235
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 236
[With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 240
I merely desire information.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 242
[Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 243
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 244
[In a clear, cold voice.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 246
; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 247
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 248
That sounds not unsatisfactory.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 249
Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 250
But what proof have I of their authenticity?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 251
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 252
I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 253
They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 254
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 255
[Grimly.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 256
I have known strange errors in that publication.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 257
Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 258
Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 259
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 260
Markby, Markby, and Markby?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 261
A firm of the very highest position in their profession.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 263
So far I am satisfied.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 264
Jack.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 265
[Very irritably.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 266
How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell!
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 268
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 269
Ah!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 271
I am not myself in favour of premature experiences.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 272
[Rises, looks at her watch.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 273
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 274
the time approaches for our departure.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 275
We have not a moment to lose.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 277
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 278
Oh!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 279
about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 280
That is all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 281
Goodbye, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 282
So pleased to have seen you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 283
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 284
[Sitting down again.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 285
A moment, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 286
A hundred and thirty thousand pounds!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 287
And in the Funds!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 290
We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 291
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 292
Come over here, dear.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 293
[Cecily goes across.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 294
Pretty child!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 296
But we can soon alter all that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 297
unit 299
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 300
And after six months nobody knew her.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 301
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 302
[Glares at Jack for a few moments.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 303
Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 304
Kindly turn round, sweet child.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 305
[Cecily turns completely round.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 306
No, the side view is what I want.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 307
[Cecily presents her profile.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 308
Yes, quite as I expected.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 309
There are distinct social possibilities in your profile.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 311
The chin a little higher, dear.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 312
Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 313
They are worn very high, just at present.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 314
Algernon!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 315
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 316
Yes, Aunt Augusta!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 317
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 318
There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 319
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 320
Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 321
And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 322
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 323
Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 324
Only people who can’t get into it do that.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 325
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 327
But I do not approve of mercenary marriages.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 330
Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 331
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 332
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 333
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 334
Cecily, you may kiss me!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 335
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 336
[Kisses her.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 337
Thank you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 338
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 339
You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 340
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 341
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 342
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 343
The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 344
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 345
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 346
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 347
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 348
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 349
To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 351
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 352
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
unit 354
That consent I absolutely decline to give.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 355
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 356
Upon what grounds may I ask?
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 358
He has nothing, but he looks everything.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 359
What more can one desire?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 360
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 362
I suspect him of being untruthful.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 363
[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 364
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 365
Untruthful!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 366
My nephew Algernon?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 367
Impossible!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 368
He is an Oxonian.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 369
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 370
I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 374
He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 376
I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 377
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 378
Ahem!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 380
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 381
That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 382
My own decision, however, is unalterable.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 383
I decline to give my consent.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 384
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 385
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 386
Come here, sweet child.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 387
[Cecily goes over.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 388
How old are you, dear?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 389
Cecily.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 391
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 392
You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 393
Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 394
It looks so calculating .
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 395
.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 396
.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 397
[In a meditative manner.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 398
Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 401
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 403
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 404
That does not seem to me to be a grave objection.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 405
Thirty-five is a very attractive age.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 407
Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 410
There will be a large accumulation of property.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 411
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 412
Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 413
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 414
Of course I could, Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 415
You know I could.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 416
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 418
I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 419
It always makes me rather cross.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 421
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 422
Then what is to be done, Cecily?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 423
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 424
I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 425
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 427
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 430
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 431
[Rising and drawing herself up.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 433
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 435
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 436
That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 437
Algernon, of course, can choose for himself.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 438
[Pulls out her watch.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 441
[Enter Dr.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 442
Chasuble.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 443
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 444
Everything is quite ready for the christenings.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 445
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 446
The christenings, sir!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 447
Is not that somewhat premature?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 448
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 449
[Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 450
Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 451
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 452
At their age?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 453
The idea is grotesque and irreligious!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 454
Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 455
I will not hear of such excesses.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 457
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 459
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 461
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 462
I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 464
unit 466
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 467
[Starting.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 468
Miss Prism!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 469
Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 470
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 471
Yes, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 472
I am on my way to join her.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 473
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 474
Pray allow me to detain you for a moment.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 477
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 478
[Somewhat indignantly.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 480
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 481
It is obviously the same person.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 482
May I ask what position she holds in your household?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 483
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 484
[Severely.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 485
I am a celibate, madam.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 486
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 487
[Interposing.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 489
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 491
Let her be sent for.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 492
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 493
[Looking off.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 494
She approaches; she is nigh.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 495
[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 496
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 497
I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 500
Miss Prism grows pale and quails.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 501
She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 502
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 503
[In a severe, judicial voice.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 504
Prism!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 505
[Miss Prism bows her head in shame.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 506
Come here, Prism!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 507
[Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 508
Prism!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 509
Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 510
[General consternation.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 511
The Canon starts back in horror.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 514
You never returned.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 517
[Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 518
But the baby was not there!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 519
[Every one looks at Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 520
Prism!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 521
Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 522
[A pause.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 523
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 524
Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 525
I only wish I did.
3 Translations, 7 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 526
The plain facts of the case are these.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 530
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 531
[Who has been listening attentively.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 532
But where did you deposit the hand-bag?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 533
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 534
Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 535
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
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
unit 538
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 540
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 541
What railway station?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 542
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 543
[Quite crushed.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 544
Victoria.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 545
The Brighton line.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 546
[Sinks into a chair.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 547
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 548
I must retire to my room for a moment.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 549
Gwendolen, wait here for me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 550
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 552
[Exit Jack in great excitement.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 553
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 554
What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 555
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 556
I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 557
unit 558
They are hardly considered the thing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 559
[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 560
Every one looks up.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 561
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 562
Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 563
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 564
Your guardian has a very emotional nature.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 565
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 566
This noise is extremely unpleasant.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 567
It sounds as if he was having an argument.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 568
I dislike arguments of any kind.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 569
They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 570
Chasuble.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 571
[Looking up.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 572
It has stopped now.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 573
[The noise is redoubled.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 574
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 575
I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 576
Gwendolen.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 577
This suspense is terrible.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 578
I hope it will last.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 580
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 581
[Rushing over to Miss Prism.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 582
Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 583
Examine it carefully before you speak.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 584
The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 585
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 586
[Calmly.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 587
It seems to be mine.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 590
And here, on the lock, are my initials.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 592
The bag is undoubtedly mine.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 593
I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 595
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 596
[In a pathetic voice.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 597
Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 598
I was the baby you placed in it.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 599
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 600
[Amazed.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 601
You?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 602
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 603
[Embracing her.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 604
Yes .
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 605
.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 606
.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 607
mother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 608
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 609
[Recoiling in indignant astonishment.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 610
Mr. Worthing!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 611
I am unmarried!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 612
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 613
Unmarried!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 614
I do not deny that is a serious blow.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 616
Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 618
Mother, I forgive you.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 619
[Tries to embrace her again.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 620
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 621
[Still more indignant.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 622
Mr. Worthing, there is some error.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 623
[Pointing to Lady Bracknell.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
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
unit 625
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 626
[After a pause.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 628
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
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
unit 631
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 632
Algy’s elder brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 633
Then I have a brother after all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 634
I knew I had a brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 635
I always said I had a brother!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 637
[Seizes hold of Algernon.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 638
Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 639
Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 640
Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
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
unit 643
Algernon.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 644
Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit.
4 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 645
I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 646
[Shakes hands.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 647
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 648
[To Jack.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 649
My own!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 650
But what own are you?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 652
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 653
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 654
.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 655
.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 656
.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 657
I had quite forgotten that point.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 659
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 660
I never change, except in my affections.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 661
Cecily.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 662
What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 663
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 664
Then the question had better be cleared up at once.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 665
Aunt Augusta, a moment.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 667
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 669
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 670
Then I was christened!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 671
That is settled.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 672
Now, what name was I given?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 673
Let me know the worst.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 674
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 675
Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 676
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 677
[Irritably.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 678
Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 679
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 680
[Meditatively.]
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 682
But I have no doubt he had one.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 683
He was eccentric, I admit.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 684
But only in later years.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 686
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 687
Algy!
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 688
Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 689
Algernon.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 690
My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 4 months ago
unit 691
He died before I was a year old.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 692
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 694
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
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
unit 697
Jack.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 698
The Army Lists of the last forty years are here.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 699
These delightful records should have been my constant study.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 700
[Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.]
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 701
M. Generals .
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 702
.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 703
.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
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
unit 706
[Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.]
4 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 708
Well, it is Ernest after all.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 709
I mean it naturally is Ernest.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 710
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 712
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 713
Ernest!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 714
My own Ernest!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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
unit 716
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 718
Can you forgive me?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 719
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 720
I can.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 721
For I feel that you are sure to change.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 722
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 723
My own one!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 724
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 725
[To Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 726
Lætitia!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 727
[Embraces her] Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 728
[Enthusiastically.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 729
Frederick!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 730
At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 731
Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 732
Cecily!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 733
[Embraces her.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 734
At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 735
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 736
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 737
[Embraces her.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 738
At last!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 739
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 740
My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
unit 741
Jack.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 3 months ago
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

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***