COUNTESS
But if, when I love, I am unhappy, I will know that my empty heart was my good fortune.
RODERICK
That is true, but it seems to me impossible that you should be unhappy in love.
COUNTESS
It is only too possible. Love requires a mutual harmony which is difficult, and it is even more difficult to make it last.
RODERICK
I agree; but God put us on earth to take that risk.
COUNTESS
A man may need to do that, and find it amusing; but a girl is bound by other laws.
RODERICK
I believe you, and I see I must hasten to leave, for otherwise I shall become the unhappiest of men.
COUNTESS
How so?
RODERICK
By loving you, with no hope of possessing you.
She laughs.
COUNTESS
You want my heart?
RODERICK
It is my only object.
COUNTESS
To make me wretched in two weeks.
RODERICK
To love you until death. To subscribe to all your commands.
COUNTESS
The amusing thing is that you deceive me without knowing, if it is true that you love me.
RODERICK
Deceiving someone without knowing it is something new for me. If I do not know it, I am innocent.
COUNTESS
But you deceive me nonetheless if I believe you, for it will not be in your power to love me when you love me no longer.
Roderick laughs and kisses her.
COUNTESS
Be so good as to tell me with whom you think you are?
RODERICK
With a woman who is completely charming, be she a princess or a woman of the lowest condition, and who, regardless of her rank, will show me some kindness, tonight.
She laughs.
COUNTESS
And if she does not choose to show you some kindness?
RODERICK
Then I will respectfully take leave of her.
COUNTESS
You will do as you please. It seems to me that such a matter can hardly be discussed until after people know each other. Do you not agree?
RODERICK
Yes -- but I am afraid of being deceived.
COUNTESS
Poor man. And, for that reason, you want to begin where people end?
RODERICK
I ask only a payment on account today -- after that, you will find me undemanding, obedient and discreet.