The Proposal

ROCHESTER

Jane...you are to undertake the education of the five daughters of Mrs. Dionysus O'Gall.

At Bitternut Lodge, in Connaught, Ireland.

JANE

Ireland! I really must object...

ROCHESTER

Jane, this is best

JANE

I don't agree, sir.

ROCHESTER

Jane, when you're gone

I will miss our walks

Our little talks

The look of sunlight on your face

Soon to be a memory...

Jane, when you're gone

I'll miss your voice

And I'll think of you

Out on the glen

You seemed so like a fairy then...

JANE

Such a distance, why so far sir?

ROCHESTER

Oh, does that perturb you?

JANE

It's a long way...

ROCHESTER

Well, from what, Jane?

Why should that disturb you?

Jane, we've been friends...

JANE

It's getting late, sir.

ROCHESTER

Jane, what is wrong?

JANE

I must go in, sir.

ROCHESTER

Jane, is that a tear that's in your eye?

JANE

Yes, it is, and I cry because the pain

Because the grief

Is slowly turning to rage

I'm like a bird upon the brief

Who wishes she were never born into this cage

I know you think because I'm plain

That I feel nothing inside

If I were rich, if I were beautiful...

...then I should think I would make it as hard for you to leave me as it is for me to leave you.

I love Thornfield and I grieve to leave it,

for here I have talked, face to face,

with what I reverence, what I delight in-with an original,

a vigorous, an expanded mind- but I see the necessity of departure

and it is like looking on the necessity of death.

ROCHESTER

Where do you see the necessity?

JANE

In the shape of your bride.

ROCHESTER

Jane, there is place for you

And Jane, it is here with me

To live in this house

To stand as my wife

JANE

What do you mean?

ROCHESTER

Jane, you are my second self

And Jane, don't you see the truth

That you are the heart of my life?

JANE

But what of Blanche?

ROCHESTER

She's gone, never to return

The gypsy told her that my wealth

Wasn't half of my first claim

And Blanche Ingram, bless her heart

Took the bait, and not my name

I would not...I could never have married Blanche Ingram.

Because my equal is here, and my likeness.

JANE

Why did you make me believe you loved her?

ROCHESTER

To make you jealous.

JANE

Why?

ROCHESTER

Jane, to make you as in love with me

As I am in love with you,

Be my wife.

Say my name!

JANE

Edward...

ROCHESTER

Will you marry me, Jane Eyre?

You mean more to me than life

What's your answer?

Tell me now!

Do you consent to be my wife?

God forgive me, you are not getting away from me!

If I had a string under my ribs

Knotted to you, connecting our frames

I'd be afraid that many a mile

Would sever the tie

And I would take to bleeding inwardly

Are you my savior, are you my saint

Protecting my soul

With communion and light?

Stand as my equal, be my reward

Slay custom and code

With love as your sword

Childish, slender creature

My hope of heaven lies

Inside your eyes

I hear you cherished voice

Across the moorland skies

Will I not guard and cherish you

As long as I shall live?

Will I not sanction you

With all the love my heart can give?

And I wash my hands

Of every youthful crime

Defy them all

God will give me time

And you will lead me, blind

JANE

Yes, sir. I will marry you.

ROCHESTER

Childish slender creature

My hope of heaven lies

Inside your precious eyes

I hear you cherished voice

Across the moorland skies

Your youth and spirit

Gentle presence

Flies us up to heaven

Across the skies