Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 10
Pride and Prejudice - Bab 10
After the Netherfield ball, Mr. Collins decided that he would propose to Elizabeth. He had been staying with the Bennets for some time, and he believed that Elizabeth would make him an excellent wife.
Sehari setelah pesta dansa, Tuan Collins melamar Elizabeth. Dia menyampaikan lamaran yang panjang dan konyol, menyebutkan alasan-alasannya untuk menikah tanpa menyebutkan cinta sama sekali.
He asked Mrs. Bennet for permission to speak to Elizabeth alone, and she was delighted by the request. She was certain that Elizabeth would accept him.
Elizabeth menolak dengan tegas. Collins mengira dia sedang jual mahal dan menolak menerima penolakannya.
Mr. Collins found Elizabeth in the garden, reading a book. He approached her with great formality, and began to speak.
Nyonya Bennet sangat marah dan mengancam tidak akan pernah berbicara dengan Elizabeth lagi jika dia tidak menikah dengan Collins. Tuan Bennet, sebaliknya, berkata kepada Elizabeth: "Ibumu tidak akan pernah berbicara denganmu lagi jika kamu tidak menikah dengan Tuan Collins, dan aku tidak akan pernah berbicara denganmu lagi jika kamu menikah dengannya."
"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness. And thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier—that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness."
Elizabeth was amused by his speech but tried to listen politely.
"Almost as soon as I entered the house," Mr. Collins continued, "I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying—and moreover for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife."
He went on to explain that he wanted to reconcile with the Bennet family by marrying one of the daughters, and that he was certain Elizabeth would accept him.
"But you must know," Elizabeth said, trying not to laugh, "that I cannot accept your proposal."
Mr. Collins was shocked. "I beg your pardon! This is a most unexpected answer."
"I am serious," Elizabeth said. "I cannot marry you. I do not love you, and I would not be happy as your wife."
Mrs. Bennet, who had been listening from behind the bushes, was furious. She entered the garden and scolded Elizabeth for refusing such a good match.
But Elizabeth remained firm. She would not marry a man she did not love, no matter what her mother said.