Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 10
Orgulho e Preconceito - Capítulo 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.
No dia seguinte ao baile, o Sr. Collins pede a mão de Elizabeth. Ele faz uma proposta longa e ridícula, listando suas razões para se casar sem mencionar o amor.
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 recusa firmemente. Collins acha que ela está fazendo jogo duro e se recusa a aceitar seu "não".
Mr. Collins found Elizabeth in the garden, reading a book. He approached her with great formality, and began to speak.
A Sra. Bennet fica furiosa e ameaça nunca mais falar com Elizabeth se ela não se casar com Collins. O Sr. Bennet, por outro lado, diz a Elizabeth: "Sua mãe nunca mais falará com você se você não se casar com o Sr. Collins, e eu nunca mais falarei com você se você se casar com ele."
"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.