Tom Jones: Lyric Comedy in Three Acts

Truly, my dear, you would oblige me by constraining your gaiety; it is very lively today.

No more than usual; but it is you, Mademoiselle, who is very sad today.

You imagine so, because I have no pleasure in reasoning with my aunt about the interests of Europe, nor in chattering uselessly with you.

Courage, be more sincere; your melancholy grows from day to day; everyone here notices it, and we were just talking about it again this morning with Monsieur Jones.

With Monsieur Jones, and who asked you to talk about me?...

Well! do not scold! as if I had committed a great crime by listening to your praise... spoken by the prettiest young man, the best friend of your father, whom the wise Alworthy raises and cherishes like a son.

I see that the shortest way is to let you speak.

But admit it yourself; long live this Cavalier for his attentions, his care, his generosity, his courage; would you have the ingratitude to forget that he did not fear breaking his arm to save you from a minor fall. Ah! when it comes to being of service nothing stops him, & that is how I like men.