Or dreamed of muddy water. Best of all,
They cannot marry you to anyone
Without your saying yes. But now, methinks,
They mustn’t find you chattering together.
To Valère. You, go at once and set your friends at work
To make him keep his word to you; while we
Will bring the brother’s influence to bear,
And get the stepmother on our side, too.
Goodbye.
To Mariane. Whatever efforts we may make,
My greatest hope, be sure, must rest on you.
To Valère. I cannot answer for my father’s whims;
But no one save Valère shall ever have me.
You thrill me through with joy! Whatever comes …
Oho! These lovers! Never done with prattling!
Now go.
Starting to go, and coming back again.
One last word …
What a gabble and pother!
Be off! By this door, you. And you, by t’other.
She pushes them off, by the shoulders, in opposite directions.
Act III
Scene I
Damis, Dorine. | |
Damis |
May lightning strike me dead this very instant, |
Dorine |
I beg you, moderate this towering passion; |
Damis |
No, I must end this paltry fellow’s plots, |
Dorine |
So ho! Go slow now. Just you leave the fellow— |
Damis |
I may be present at this interview. |
Dorine |
No, no! They must be left alone. |
Damis |
I won’t |
Dorine |
Go on! We know you |
Damis |
No, I must see—I’ll keep my temper. |
Dorine |
Out on you, what a plague! He’s coming. Hide! |
Damis goes and hides in the closet at the back of the stage. |
Scene II
Tartuffe, Dorine. | |
Tartuffe |
Speaking to his valet, off the stage, as soon as he sees Dorine is there. Lawrence, put up my haircloth shirt and scourge, |
Dorine |
Aside. What affectation and what showing off! |
Tartuffe |
What do you want with me? |
Dorine |
To tell you … |
Tartuffe |
Taking a handkerchief from his pocket. Ah! |
Dorine |
What? |
Tartuffe |
Cover up that bosom, which I can’t |
Dorine |
Are you so tender to temptation, then, |
Tartuffe |
Show in your speech some little modesty, |
Dorine |
No, no, I’ll leave you to yourself; I’ve only |
Tartuffe |
Ah! Willingly. |
Dorine |
Aside. How gentle all at once! |
Tartuffe |
Will she come soon? |
Dorine |
I think I hear her now. |
Scene III
Elmire, Tartuffe. | |
Tartuffe |
May Heaven’s overflowing kindness ever |
Elmire |
I’m very grateful for your pious wishes. |
Tartuffe |
After sitting down. And how are you recovered from your illness? |
Elmire |
Sitting down also. Quite well; the fever soon let go its hold. |
Tartuffe |
My prayers, I fear, have not sufficient merit |
Elmire |
You’re too solicitous on my behalf. |
Tartuffe |
We could not cherish your dear health too much; |
Elmire |
That’s pushing Christian charity too far; |
Tartuffe |
I do far less for you than you deserve. |
Elmire |
There is a matter that I wished to speak of |
Tartuffe |
Madam, I am overjoyed. |
Elmire |
All that I wish, is just a word from you, |
Damis, without their seeing him, opens the closet door halfway. |
|
Tartuffe |
I too could wish, as Heaven’s especial favour, |
Elmire |
That is how I take it, |
Tartuffe |
Pressing her fingertips. Madam, ’tis so; and such is my devotion … |
Elmire |
Ouch! but you squeeze too hard. |
Tartuffe |
Excess of zeal. |