La Chanson De l'Amour
As Stella disappeared, Niklausse sighed, and sat at the table, putting his arm about Hoffmann's shoulders. At the disturbance, Hoffmann roused himself, and allowed Niklausse to help him sit up.
"Fourth time. Don't you get tired of it?" Niklausse asked, with a sympathetic grimace.
"Niklausse," Hoffmann said unsteadily, trying to clear his head by shaking it dismally, "without love, I should be nothing."
"I feel as though you've said that before. Three times."
"Without love, the whole world would be empty."
"That too."
"Without love, everything would die."
"And that."
"Damn you for a pessimist," sighed Hoffmann, refilling his glass.
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