that the conditions of my trust are faithfully
discharged.

PATIENCE And you, too, are a Poet?

GROS. Yes, I am the Apostle of Simplicity. I am called
"Archibald the All-Right" -- for I am infallible!

PATIENCE And is it possible that you condescend to love such a
girl as I?

GROS. Yes, Patience, is it not strange? I have loved you with a
Florentine fourteenth-century frenzy for full fifteen years!

PATIENCE Oh, marvelous! I have hitherto been deaf to the voice
of love. I seem now to know what love is! It has been revealed
to me -- it is Archibald Grosvenor!

GROS. Yes, Patience, it is! [She goes into his arms.]

PATIENCE [as in a trance] We will never, never part!

GROS. We will live and die together!

PATIENCE I swear it!

GROS. We both swear it!

PATIENCE [recoiling from him] But -- oh, horror!

GROS. What's the matter?

PATIENCE Why, you are perfection! A source of endless ecstasy
to all who know you!

GROS. I know I am. Well?

PATIENCE Then, bless my heart, there can be nothing unselfish in
loving you!

GROS. Merciful powers! I never thought of that!

PATIENCE To monopolize those features on which all women love to
linger! It would be unpardonable!

GROS. Why, so it would! Oh, fatal perfection, again you
interpose between me and my happiness!

PATIENCE Oh, if you were but a thought less beautiful than you
are!

GROS. Would that I were; but candour compels me to admit that
I'm not!

PATIENCE Our duty is clear; we must part, and for ever!

GROS. Oh, misery! And yet I cannot question the propriety of
your decision. Farewell, Patience!

PATIENCE Farewell, Archibald! [they both turn to go.]
[suddenly] But stay!

GROS. Yes, Patience?

PATIENCE Although I may not love you -- for you are perfection -
- there is nothing to prevent your loving me. I am plain,
homely, unattractive!

GROS. Why, that's true!

PATIENCE The love of such a man as you for such a girl as I must
be unselfish!

GROS. Unselfishness itself!

No. 8a. Though to marry you would very selfish be
(Duet)
Patience and Grosvenor

PATIENCE Though to marry you would very selfish be--

GROSVENOR Hey, but I'm doleful -- willow willow waly!

PATIENCE You may, all the same, continue loving me --

GROSVENOR