The Importance of Being Earnest

Cecily.
I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice 
alone inspires one with absolute credulity. 
Gwendolen.
Then you think we should forgive them? 
Cecily.
Yes. I mean no. 
Gwendolen.
True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one 
cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant 
one. 
Gwendolen.'>Cecily.
Could we not both speak at the same time? 
Gwendolen.
An excellent idea! I nearly always speak at the same time as 
other people. Will you take the time from me? 
Cecily.
Certainly. [
Gwendolen
beats time with uplifted finger.] 
59

---

Gwendolen
and 
Cecily
[Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still 
an insuperable barrier. That is all! 
Jack
and 
Algernon
[Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that 
all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon. 
Gwendolen.
[To 
Jack
.] For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible 
thing? 
Jack._I_am._Cecily._[To_Algernon_.]_To_please_me_you_are_ready_to_face_this_fearful_ordeal_Algernon._I_am!_Gwendolen.'>Jack.
I am. 
Cecily.
[To 
Algernon
.] To please me you are ready to face this fearful 
ordeal? 
Algernon. I am! 
Gwendolen.
How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where 
questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us. 
Jack.
We are. [Clasps hands with 
Algernon
.] 
Cecily.
They have moments of physical courage of which we women know 
absolutely nothing. 
Gwendolen.
[To 
Jack
.] Darling! 
Algernon.
[To 
Cecily
.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.] 
[Enter