My request would naturally be, if not monstrous, at least preposterous, if it were your intention to make Marcolina your wife, or if Marcolina's own hopes or wishes turned in this direction.

But just as last night was your first night spent in love together"-- he uttered this guess as if he had absolute knowledge of the fact--"so also was the ensuing night predestined, according to all human calculation, according to your own expectations and Marcolina's, to be your last night together for a long period and probably for ever.

I am absolutely convinced that Marcolina herself, in order to save her lover from certain destruction, and simply upon his wish, would be perfectly willing to give this one night to his savior.

For she, too, is a philosopher, and is therefore just as free from prejudices as we are.

Nevertheless, certain as I am that she would meet the test, I am far from intending that it should be imposed upon her.