The General (to the doctor)
I see you are dubious! (to his wife) My dear child, there is no need
for me to bless the power of God on your behalf, but I think He must
have lent it me, in order that I might love you sufficiently.

Vernon
You forget that I am a doctor, my dear friend. What you are saying to
Madame is only good for the burden of a ballad.

Gertrude
The burdens of some ballads, doctor, are exceedingly true.

The General
Doctor, if you continue teasing my wife, we shall quarrel; to doubt on
such a subject as that is an insult.

Vernon
I have no doubt about it. (to the General) I would merely say, that
you have loved so many women with the powers of God, that I am in an
ecstasy as a doctor to see you still so good a Christian at seventy!

(Gertrude glides softly towards the sofa, where the doctor is seated.)

The General
Pshaw! The last passions, my friend, are always the strongest.

Vernon
You are right. In youth, we love with all our strength which grows
weaker with age, while in age we love with all our weakness which is