Part 18 (2/2)

DORINE (aside) This Mr. Loyal's looks are most disloyal.

MR. LOYAL I have much feeling for respectable And honest folk like you, sir, and consented To serve these papers, only to oblige you, And thus prevent the choice of any other Who, less possessed of zeal for you than I am Might order matters in less gentle fas.h.i.+on.

ORGON And how could one do worse than order people Out of their house?

MR. LOYAL Why, we allow you time; And even will suspend until to-morrow The execution of the order, sir.

I'll merely, without scandal, quietly, Come here and spend the night, with half a score Of officers; and just for form's sake, please, You'll bring your keys to me, before retiring.

I will take care not to disturb your rest, And see there's no unseemly conduct here.

But by to-morrow, and at early morning, You must make haste to move your least belongings; My men will help you--I have chosen strong ones To serve you, sir, in clearing out the house.

No one could act more generously, I fancy, And, since I'm treating you with great indulgence, I beg you'll do as well by me, and see I'm not disturbed in my discharge of duty.

ORGON I'd give this very minute, and not grudge it, The hundred best gold louis I have left, If I could just indulge myself, and land My fist, for one good square one, on his snout.

CLEANTE (aside to Orgon) Careful!--don't make things worse.

DAMIS Such insolence!

I hardly can restrain myself. My hands Are itching to be at him.

DORINE By my faith, With such a fine broad back, good Mr. Loyal, A little beating would become you well.

MR. LOYAL My girl, such infamous words are actionable.

And warrants can be issued against women.

CLEANTE (to Mr. Loyal) Enough of this discussion, sir; have done.

Give us the paper, and then leave us, pray.

MR. LOYAL Then _au revoir_. Heaven keep you from disaster!

ORGON May Heaven confound you both, you and your master!

SCENE V

ORGON, MADAME PERNELLE, ELMIRE, CLEANTE, MARIANE, DAMIS, DORINE

ORGON Well, mother, am I right or am I not?

This writ may help you now to judge the matter.

Or don't you see his treason even yet?

MADAME PERNELLE I'm all amazed, befuddled, and befl.u.s.tered!

DORINE (to Orgon) You are quite wrong, you have no right to blame him; This action only proves his good intentions.

Love for his neighbour makes his virtue perfect; And knowing money is a root of evil, In Christian charity, he'd take away Whatever things may hinder your salvation.

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