(Lulu makes no answer.)
That you feel in yourself enough dignity and high rank to fetter a man
to your feet--in order to enjoy his utter helplessness?... (Lulu makes
no answer.) That in a comfortable, richly furnished villa you would
feel in a more fitting place than here,--with unlimited means, to live
completely as your =own mistress=? (Lulu steps forth in a short,
bright, pleated petticoat and white satin bodice, black shoes and
stockings, and spurs with bells at her heels.)

LULU. (Busy with the lacing of her bodice.) If there's just one evening
I don't go on, I dream the whole night that I'm dancing and feel the
next day as if I'd been racked.

ESCERNY. But what difference could it make to you to see before you
instead of this mob =one= spectator, specially elect?

LULU. That would make no difference. I don't see anybody anyway.

ESCERNY. A lighted summer-house--the splashing of the water near at
hand.... I am forced in my exploring-trips to the practise of a quite
inhuman tyranny--

LULU. (Putting on a pearl necklace before the mirror.) A good school!

ESCERNY. And if I now long to deliver myself unreservedly into the
power of a woman, that is a natural need for relaxation.... Can you
imagine a greater life-happiness for a woman than to have a man
entirely in her power?

LULU. (Jingling her heels.) Oh yes!

ESCERNY. (Disconcerted.) Among cultured men you will find not one who
doesn't lose his head over you.

LULU. Your wishes, however, no one will fulfill without deceiving you.

ESCERNY. To be deceived by a girl like you must be ten times more
enrapturing than to be uprightly loved by anybody else.

LULU. You have never in your life been uprightly loved by a girl!
(Turning her back to him and pointing.) Would you undo this knot for
me? I've laced myself too tight. I am always so excited getting
dressed.

ESCERNY. (After repeated efforts.) I'm sorry; I can't.

LULU. Then leave it. Perhaps I can. (Goes left.)

ESCERNY. I confess that I am lacking in deftness. Maybe I was not
docile enough with women.

LULU. And probably you don't have much opportunity to be so in Africa,
either?

ESCERNY. (Seriously.) Let me openly admit to you that my loneliness in
the world embitters many hours.

LULU. The knot is almost done....

ESCERNY. What draws me to you is not your dancing. It's your physical
and mental refinement, as it is revealed in every one of your
movements. Anyone who is so much interested in