Part 14 (1/2)

Get on your feet! The more you hate to have him, The more 'twill help you earn your soul's salvation.

So, mortify your senses by this marriage, And don't vex me about it any more.

DORINE But what ... ?

ORGON You hold your tongue, before your betters.

Don't dare to say a single word, I tell you.

CLEANTE If you will let me answer, and advise ...

ORGON Brother, I value your advice most highly; 'Tis well thought out; no better can be had; But you'll allow me--not to follow it.

ELMIRE (to her husband) I can't find words to cope with such a case; Your blindness makes me quite astounded at you.

You are bewitched with him, to disbelieve The things we tell you happened here to-day.

ORGON I am your humble servant, and can see Things, when they're plain as noses on folks' faces, I know you're partial to my rascal son, And didn't dare to disavow the trick He tried to play on this poor man; besides, You were too calm, to be believed; if that Had happened, you'd have been far more disturbed.

ELMIRE And must our honour always rush to arms At the mere mention of illicit love?

Or can we answer no attack upon it Except with blazing eyes and lips of scorn?

For my part, I just laugh away such nonsense; I've no desire to make a loud to-do.

Our virtue should, I think, be gentle-natured; Nor can I quite approve those savage prudes Whose honour arms itself with teeth and claws To tear men's eyes out at the slightest word.

Heaven preserve me from that kind of honour!

I like my virtue not to be a vixen, And I believe a quiet cold rebuff No less effective to repulse a lover.

ORGON I know ... and you can't throw me off the scent.

ELMIRE Once more, I am astounded at your weakness; I wonder what your unbelief would answer, If I should let you see we've told the truth?

ORGON See it?

ELMIRE Yes.

ORGON Nonsense.

ELMIRE Come! If I should find A way to make you see it clear as day?

ORGON All rubbish.

ELMIRE What a man! But answer me.

I'm not proposing now that you believe us; But let's suppose that here, from proper hiding, You should be made to see and hear all plainly; What would you say then, to your man of virtue?

ORGON Why, then, I'd say ... say nothing. It can't be.

ELMIRE Your error has endured too long already, And quite too long you've branded me a liar.

I must at once, for my own satisfaction, Make you a witness of the things we've told you.

ORGON Amen! I take you at your word. We'll see What tricks you have, and how you'll keep your promise.