Arms and the Man

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1. 
   dymatsuoka

   This line is spoken by Sergius to Louka, a maid in the Petkoff household, in Act II.  The "thing" that fatigues him is "higher love", and the need to keep up a pretense of it "for any length of time".

   Sergius, who has just returned from the war, has been reunited with Raina, with whom he is engaged.  The two have just had a rather silly conversation in which they declare how much they have missed each other and describe their utter worship of each other in very flowery terms.  In that conversation, Raina, in a moment of solemn passion, has proclaimed, "Sergius, I think we two have found the higher love...when I think of you, I feel that I could never do a base deed, or think an ignoble thought", to which Sergius has melodramatically responded, "My lady, and my saint!"  After a few more exclamations of devotion, Raina leaves to get ready to go out with Sergius.

   Sergius, who admits to being a scoundrel, feels the need for some "relief" after such an emotionally draining scene.  He seeks this relief by flirting with Louka.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/arms-man/

   http://www.enotes.com/arms-man/characters

   http://www.enotes.com/arms-man/summary

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   Posted by dymatsuoka on Friday September 19, 2008 at 4:33 PM
   
   

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