Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 10
오만과 편견 - 제10장
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.
무도회 다음 날, 콜린스 씨는 엘리자베스에게 청혼한다. 그는 사랑에 대해 한마디도 언급하지 않고 결혼해야 할 이유를 장황하게 늘어놓는 우스꽝스러운 청혼을 한다.
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.
엘리자베스는 단호하게 거절한다. 콜린스는 그녀가 내숭을 떨고 있다고 생각하며 그녀의 "아니오"를 받아들이려 하지 않는다.
Mr. Collins found Elizabeth in the garden, reading a book. He approached her with great formality, and began to speak.
베넷 부인은 격분하여 콜린스와 결혼하지 않으면 다시는 말을 하지 않겠다고 위협한다. 반면 베넷 씨는 엘리자베스에게 이렇게 말한다. "네 엄마는 네가 콜린스 씨와 결혼하지 않으면 다시는 말을 안 하겠다고 하는데, 나는 네가 그와 결혼하면 다시는 말을 안 하겠다."
"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.