Juan — There
certainly
is something about it which I do not
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p.
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v17 - Mai to Mom
It has lar-
ished upon you charms which dazzle the eye and which touch the
heart; and I have never gazed on you, perfect creature, without
admiring the Creator of the universe, and without feeling my
2
## p. 10187 (#615) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10187
heart seized with an ardent love for the most beautiful picture
in which he has reproduced himself. At first I feared that this
secret tenderness might be a skillful assault of the Evil One; I
even thought I would avoid your presence, fearing you might
prove a stumbling-block to my salvation. But I have learnt, O
adorable beauty, that my passion need not be a guilty one; that
I can reconcile it with modesty; and I have given up my whole
soul to it. I know that I am very presumptuous in making you
the offer of such a heart as mine; but in my love I hope every-
thing from you, nothing from the vain efforts of my unworthy
self. In you is my hope, my happiness, my peace; on you de-
pends my misery or bliss: and by your verdict I shall be forever
happy, if you wish it: unhappy, if it pleases you.
Elmire — Quite a gallant declaration. But you must acknowl-
edge that it is rather surprising. It seems to me that you might
have fortified your heart a little more carefully against tempta-
tion, and have paused before such a design. A devotee like you,
who is everywhere spoken of as-
Tartuffe - Ah! Although a devotee, I am no less a man.
When your celestial attractions burst upon the sight, the heart
surrenders, and reasons no more.
I know that such language
from me seems somewhat strange: but after all, madame, I am
not an angel; and if you condemn the confession I make, you
have only your own attractions to blame for it.
As soon
I beheld their more than human beauty, my whole being was
surrendered to you. The unspeakable sweetness of your divine
charms forced the obstinate resistance of my heart; it overcame
everything — fasting, prayers, and tears — and fixed all my hopes
in you. A thousand times my eyes and my sighs have told you
this; to-day I explain myself with words. Ah! if you consider
with some kindness the tribulations and trials of your unworthy
slave, if your goodness has compassion on me and deigns to
stoop so low as my nothingness, I shall ever have for you, O
marvelous beauty, a devotion never to be equaled. With me
your reputation runs no risk, and has no disgrace to fear. Men
like me burn with a hidden flame, and secrecy is forever assured.
The care which we take of our own reputation is a warrant to
the woman who accepts our heart, that she will find love without
scandal, and pleasure without fear.
Elmire - I have listened to you, and your rhetoric expresses
itself in terms strong enough. Are you not afraid that I might
as
## p. 10188 (#616) ##########################################
10188
MOLIÈRE
be disposed to tell my husband of this passionate declaration, and
that its sudden disclosure might influence the friendship which
he has toward you ?
Tartuffe — I know that your tender-heartedness is too great,
and that you will excuse, because of human frailty, the violent
transports of a love which offends you, and will consider, when
you look at yourself, that people are not blind, and that flesh is
weak.
Elmire — Others might take all this differently; but I will
endeavor to show my discretion. I will tell nothing to my hus-
band of what has taken place; but in return I must require one
thing of you, -- which is to forward honestly and sincerely the
marriage which has been decided between Valère and Marianne,
and to renounce the unjust power which would enrich you with
what belongs to another,
Damis [coming out of a side room where he was hidden] - No,
madame, no! All this must be made public! I was in that place
and overheard everything. Heaven in its goodness seems to have
directed my steps hither, to confound the pride of a wretch who
wrongs me, and to guide me to a sure revenge for his hypocrisy
and insolence. I will undeceive my father, and will show him in
a clear, strong light the heart of the miscreant who dares to
speak to you of love.
Elmire-- No, Damis: it is sufficient if he promises to amend,
and endeavors to deserve the forgiveness I have spoken of.
Since I have promised it, let me abide by my word. I have
no wish for scandal. A woman should despise these follies, and
never trouble her husband's ears with them.
Damis - You have your reasons for dealing thus with him,
and I have mine for acting otherwise. It is a mockery to try to
In the insolent pride of his canting bigotry he has
already triumphed too much over my just wrath, and has caused
too many troubles in our house. The impostor has governed my
father but too long, and too long opposed my love and Valère's.
It is right that my father's eyes should be opened to the perfidy
of this villain. Heaven offers me an easy opportunity, and I am
thankful for it. Were I not to seize it, I should deserve never to
have another.
Elmire — Damis-
Damis — No, I will, with your permission, follow my own coun-
sel. My heart is overjoyed; and it is in vain for you to try and
spare him.
## p. 10189 (#617) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10189
dissuade me from tasting the pleasure of revenge. I will at
once make a full disclosure of all this. But here is the very
person to give me satisfaction.
Enter Orgon
Damis - Come, father, we will treat your arrival with a piece
of news which will somewhat surprise you. You are well re-
warded for all your caresses, and this gentleman well repays your
tenderness. His great zeal for you has just shown itself, and
stops at nothing short of dishonoring you. I have overheard him
here, making to your wife an insulting declaration. She, amiable
and gentle, and in her too great discretion, insisted upon keep-
ing the matter a secret from you; but I cannot encourage such
shamelessness, and I think it would be an offense to you were I
to be silent about it.
Exit Elmire. )
Orgon — What do I hear! O Heaven! Is it possible!
Tartuffe [with an entire change of look, manner, and accent]
- Yes, brother, I am a wicked, guilty, miserable sinner, full of
iniquity, the greatest wretch that earth ever bore. Each moment
of my life is overburdened with pollution; it is but a long con-
tinuation of crimes and defilement, and I see that Heaven, to
punish me for my sins, intends to mortify me on this occasion.
However great may be the crime laid to my charge, I have
neither the wish nor the pride to deny it. Believe what is said
to you, arm all your wrath, and drive me like a criminal from
your house. Whatever shame is heaped upon me, I deserve even
greater.
Orgon [to his son]— Ah, miscreant! how dare you try to sully
the spotless purity of his virtue with this falsehood ?
Damis- What! the feigned meekness of this hypocrite will
make you give the lie to-
Orgon — Hold your tongue, you cursed plague!
Tartuffe — Ah! let him speak; you blame him wrongfully, and
you would do better to believe what he tells you. Why should
you be so favorable to me in this instance? Do you know, after
all, what I am capable of doing? Do you, brother, trust to the
outward man; and do you think me good, because of what you
see? No, no: you are deceived by appearances, and I am, alas! no
better than they think. Everybody takes me for a good man, no
## p. 10190 (#618) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10190
doubt; but the truth is, that I am worthless. [To Damis. ] Yes,
dear child, speak; call me perfidious, infamous, reprobate, thief,
and murderer; load me with still more hateful names: I do
not gainsay them, I have deserved them all; and on my knees I
will suffer the ignominy due to the crimes of my shameful life.
[Kneels. ]
Orgon [to Tartuffe]— Ah, brother, this is too much! [To his
son. ] Does not your heart relent, traitor ?
Damis What! can his words so far deceive you as —
Orgon — Hold your tongue, you rascal! [Raising Tartuffe. ]
Brother, pray rise. [To his son. ] Wretch!
Damis — He can-
Orgon - Hold your tongue!
Damis - I am furious. What! I am taken for —
Orgon — If you say one word more, I'll break every bone -
Tartuffe — In heaven's name, my brother, do not forget
yourself! I had rather suffer the greatest injury than that he
should receive the most trifling hurt on my account.
Orgon [to his son]-Ungrateful wretch !
Tartuffe - Leave him in peace. If I must on my knees ask
forgiveness for him –
[He falls on his knees; Orgon does the same, and embraces Tartuffe. ]
Orgon — Alas! my brother, what are you doing? [To his son. )
See his goodness, rascal!
Damis So-
Orgon - Peace.
Damis - What! 1-
Orgon — Peace, I say. I know the motive which makes you
accuse him. You all hate him; and I now see wife, children,
and servants embittered against him. You have recourse to every-
thing to drive this pious person from my home. But the more
you strive to send him away, the more will I do to keep him. I
will, therefore, to crush the pride of the whole family, hasten his
marriage with my daughter.
Damis – You mean to force her to accept him ?
Orgon — Yes, traitor; and to confound you all, it shall be done
this very evening. Ah! I defy the whole household; I will show
you that you have to obey me, and that I am the master here.
Now, quick, retract your words, and this very moment throw
yourself at his feet to ask his forgiveness.
## p. 10191 (#619) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10191
Damis — Who? I? Ask forgiveness of the villain who by his
impostures-
Orgon - What, scoundrel! you refuse, and abuse him besides ?
A cudgel! give me a cudgel! [To Tartuffe. ] Don't prevent me.
[To his son. ] Get out of my house this moment, and be careful
you are never bold enough to set foot in it again.
Damis-Yes, I shall go; but-
Orgon - Quick then, decamp: I disinherit you, you scoundrel,
and give you my curse besides.
[Exit Damis. ]
-
Orgon — To offend a holy man in that way!
Tartuffe-0 Heaven! forgive me as I forgive him! [To
Orgon. ] If you could know the pain it gives me to see them try
to blacken my character to you, dear brother -
Orgon- Alas!
Tartuffe — The very thought of this ingratitude is a torture
too great for me to bear - The horror that I feel — My heart
is so full that I cannot speak
It will kill me.
Orgon [in tears, running to the door where he drove his son
out] - Wretch! how I grieve to have spared you, and not to have
made an end of you on the spot. [To Tartuffe. ] Compose your-
self, brother; do not give way to grief.
Tartuffe - No, let us put an end to all these painful disputes.
I see what great troubles I occasion here, and I think, brother,
that my duty is to leave your house.
Orgon - How! surely you are not in earnest ?
Tartuffe — They hate me; and I see that they will try to make
you doubt my good faith towards you.
Orgon — What does it matter?
me listen to
them ?
Tartuffe — I have no doubt but that they will persevere in
their attacks; and these very reports which you refuse to believe
to-day may another time be credited by you.
Orgon — No, brother; never.
Tartuffe — Ah! brother, a wife can easily influence the mind
of her husband.
Orgon - No, no.
Tartuffe — Let me go away, and thus remove from them all
occasion of attacking me.
Orgon — No, you will stop here: my life depends upon it.
Do you
see
## p. 10192 (#620) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10192
Tartuffe — Well, if it is so, I must do violence to myself.
Ah, if you only would —
Orgon — No!
Tartuffe — I yield. Let us say no more about it. But I know
how I must behave in future. Honor is a delicate matter, and
friendship requires me to prevent reports and causes for suspi-
cion. I will avoid your wife, and you shall never see me —
Orgon — No, you will see and speak to her in spite of every-
body. I delight in vexing people; and I wish you to be seen in
her company at all hours of the day. This is not all. The bet-
ter to brave them, I will have no other heir but you; and I will
go at once and draw up a deed of gift, by which you will inherit
all my possessions. A true, faithful friend whom I take for son-
in-law is more precious to me than son, wife, or relations. Will
you not accept what I propose ?
Tartuffe — May Heaven's will be done in all things!
Orgon - Poor man! Let us go forthwith to draw up
the
deed, and then let envy burst with rage!
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE FATE OF DON JUAN
From Don Juan: or, The Feast of the Statue)
[The stage represents a solitary country spot in Sicily, not remote from
the tomb (crowned by a statue) of the commandant whom Don Juan has
slain in a duel. Don Juan and his servant Sganarelle enter, with Don Louis,
the father of the dissolute hero. Don Louis has heard that his son has de-
cided on a complete moral reformation. ]
OUIS
- What! my son, is it possible that merciful Heaven has
heard my prayers ? Is what you tell me true? Are you
not deceiving me with false hopes ? And inay I trust the
surprising news of such a conversion ?
Juan — Yes, you see me reclaimed from all my sins; I am no
longer the same man I was yesterday, and Heaven Hias suddenly
wrought in me a change which will be the wonder of every one.
It has touched my heart and opened my eyes, and I look back
with horror on my long time of blindness, and on the criminal
disorders of the life I have led. My mind dwells up bn all its
abominations; and I am astonished that Heaven has borne them
## p. 10193 (#621) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10193
>
so long, and has not made me feel its vengeance.
I feel the
mercy that has been shown me in my not being punished for my
crimes, and I am ready to profit by it as I ought; to show to
the world the sudden change in my life; thus to make up for
the scandal of my past actions, and try to obtain a full pardon.
Towards this will all my endeavors tend in future; and in order
to help me in the new life I have chosen, I beseech you, sir,
to choose for me a person who can help me, and under whose
guidance I may be enabled to walk safely in the new path
opened before me.
Louis — Ah! how easily the love of a father is recalled, and
how quickly forgotten are the faults of a son at the mention of
the word repentance! After what I have just heard, I remember
no more all the sorrow you have caused me; everything is oblit-
erated from my memory. My happiness is extreme; I weep for
joy; all my dearest wishes are granted, and I have nothing else
to ask of Heaven. Let us embrace each other, my son. Persist,
I beseech you, in this praiseworthy resolution. I will go at once
and carry this good news to your mother, share with her my
joy, and thank Heaven for the holy thoughts with which it has
inspired you.
[Erit.
Sganarolle — Ah, sir, how happy I am to see you converted!
I have been a long time looking forward for this; and thank
Heaven, all my wishes are satisfied.
Juan — Plague take the booby!
Sganarelle -- How, the booby?
Juan - What! you take for ready money what I have just
said, and fancy that my lips agree with my heart ?
Sganarelle — Why! it is not — you do not — your – [Aside. ]
Oh, what a man! what a man! what a man!
Juan — Oh dear, no; I am not changed in the least, and all
my thoughts are the same.
Sganarelle — You do not yield, after the marvelous miracle of
that moving and speaking statue ?
Juan — There certainly is something about it which I do not
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p. 10194 (#622) ##########################################
10194
MOLIÈRE
myself in respect to men from a hundred troublesome adventures
which might happen to me. I am glad to take you into my
confidence, Sganarelle, for I like to have a witness of what I
feel, and of the real motives which oblige me to act as I do.
Sganarelle — What! you believe in nothing, and yet you mean
to pass for a God-fearing man?
Juan — And why not? There are plenty of others besides me
who borrow the same feathers, and who use the same mask to
deceive the world.
Sganarelle [aside] - Ah, what a man! what a man!
Juan — There is no longer any shame in hypocrisy: it is a
fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtues. To
act the part of a good man is the best part one can act. The
profession of hypocrisy has wonderful advantages. It is an art
the imposture of which is always looked upon with respect; and
although the world may see through the deceit, it dares say
nothing against it. All the other vices of mankind are open to
censure, and every one is at liberty to attack them boldly; but
hypocrisy is a privileged vice, which closes the mouth of every
one, and enjoys in peace a sovereign impunity. By dint of cant
we enter into a kind of league with those of the same party, and
whoever falls out with one of us has the whole set against him;
whilst those who are really sincere, and who are known to be
in earnest, are always the dupes of the others, are caught in
the net of the hypocrites, and blindly lend their support to those
who ape their conduct. You could hardly believe what a num-
ber of these people I know, who with the help of such stratagem
have put a decent veil over the disorders of their youth, have
sought shelter under the cloak of religion, and under its vener-
ated dress are allowed to be as wicked as they please. Although
people are aware of their intrigues, and know them for what they
are, their influence is none the less real. They are well received
everywhere; and a low bending of the head, deep sighs, and
rolling eyes, make up for all they can be guilty of. It is under
this convenient dress that I mean to take refuge and put my
affairs to rights. I shall not give up my dear habits, but will
carefully hide them, and avoid all show in my pleasures. If I
am discovered, the whole cabal will take up my interests of their
own accord, and will defend me against everybody. In short, it
,
is the only safe way of doing all I like with impunity. I shall
set up for a censor of other people's actions. I shall speak evil
## p. 10195 (#623) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10195
of everybody. If I am but ever so slightly offended, I shall
never forgive, but bear an irreconcilable hatred. I shall make
myself the avenger of the interests of Heaven; and under this
convenient shelter I will pursue my enemies, will accuse them of
impiety, and know how to let loose against them the officious
zealots who, without understanding how the truth stands, will heap
abuse upon them and damn them boldly on their own private
authority. It is thus that we can profit by the weaknesses of
men, and that a wise man can accommodate himself to the vices
of his age.
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! what do I hear? You only lacked
hypocrisy to make you perfectly bad; and this is the height of
abomination. Sir, this last thing is too much for me, and I
cannot help speaking. Do to me all you please; beat me, break
every bone in my body, kill me if you like: but I must speak
out my thoughts, and like a faithful servant say what I ought.
Know, sir, that the pitcher goes once too often to the well: and
as that author, whose name I do not recollect, truly said, man is
in this world like the bird on the branch; the branch is attached
to the tree; whoever is attached to the tree follows good pre-
cepts; good precepts are better than fine words; fine words are
found at court; at court are the courtiers; courtiers are followers
of fashion; fashion comes from fancy; fancy is a faculty of the
mind; the mind is life to us; life ends in death; death makes
us think of heaven; the sky is above the earth; the earth is not
the sea; the sea is subject to tempests; tempests endanger ships;
ships require pilots; a good pilot has prudence; prudence is not
the gift of young men; young men ought to obey their elders;
old men love riches; riches make people rich; the rich are not
poor; the poor know what want is; necessity has no law; those
who have no law live like the brute; and consequently you will
be damned with all the devils.
Juan - A noble argument.
Sganarelle — After this if you do not change, so much the
worse for you.
Enter Don Carlos
Carlos — Don Juan, I meet with you opportunely; and I am
glad to ask you in this place rather than in your house what
resolutions you have taken. You know that this duty belongs to
me, that I took it upon myself in your presence. I cannot hide
## p. 10196 (#624) ##########################################
10196
MOLIÈRE
from you that I should like the difficulty to be settled by gentle
means; there is nothing I would not do to prevail upon you to
choose the right path, and to see you publicly confirm your mar-
riage with my sister.
Juan [in a hypocritical tone) — Alas! I wish with all my heart
that I could give you the satisfaction you ask for: but Heaven
is directly opposed to it; it has inspired me with the design of
reforming my mode of life, and I have now no other thoughts
than to leave all earthly engagements, to forsake all vanities,
to atone by an austere life for all the criminal disorders into
which the heat of passion and blind youth have carried me.
Carlos – Your intentions, Don Juan, do not clash with what
I propose: the company of a legitimate wife and the laudable
thoughts Heaven has inspired you with, can well agree.
Juan — Alas! no. It is a decision which your sister herself
has taken, for she has retired to a convent. Both our hearts
were touched at the same time.
Carlos — Her retreat cannot satisfy us, for it might be imputed
to the contempt you had thrown on her and her family: our
honor requires that she should live openly with you.
Juan — I assure you that the thing is not possible. I had the
greatest wish to do so, and even to-day I asked advice of Heaven
about it; but when I consulted it, I heard a voice saying that I
was not to think of your sister, and that with her for my com-
panion I should certainly not work out my salvation.
Carlos - Do you think you will impose upon me with those
-
fine excuses ?
Juan - I obey Heaven's voice.
Carlos - What! you imagine that I can be satisfied with such
stories as these ?
Juan — Such is the will of Heaven.
Carlos – You make my sister leave her convent, and abandon
her afterwards?
Juan- Heaven orders it should be so.
Carlos - We must bear such a disgrace ?
Juan - Seek redress from Heaven.
Carlos - What! always Heaven?
Juan — It is the will of Heaven.
Carlos - Enough, Don Juan: I understand you. It is not
here that I will attack you, - the place will not admit of it, - but
I will soon find you out.
## p. 10197 (#625) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10197
Juan – You will do as you please. You know that I do not
lack courage, and that I can use my sword when it is necessary.
I will go in a few minutes through this narrow lane by the side
of the convent: but I declare to you that I do not wish to fight;
Heaven forbid I should think of such a thing: but if you attack
me, we will see what will ensue.
Carlos — We shall indeed see.
[Exit.
Sganarelle — Sir, what is this new style you adopt? This is
worse than all the rest put together; I had much rather see you
as you were before. I always looked forward to your salvation
before; but from henceforth I give up all hope, and I believe
that Heaven, which has borne with you to this day, will never
tolerate this last abomination.
Juan Come, come: Heaven is not so strict as you think, and
if each time that men
Enter a Spectre in the form of a veiled woman
Sganarelle (seeing the Spectre]— Ah, sir, Heaven speaks to and
warns you!
Juan — This may be a warning from Heaven; but it must be
expressed more clearly if I am to understand it.
Spectre - Don Juan has but a moment longer to profit by the
mercy of Heaven; if he does not repent now, his destruction is
certain.
Sganarelle — Sir, do you hear?
Juan — Who dares speak such words to me? I think I know
this voice.
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, it is a ghost! I know it by its way of
walking.
Juan - Ghost, phantom, or devil, I will see what it is.
[The Spectre changes shape, and represents Time with his scythe in his
hand. )
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! Do you see, sir, this change of
shape?
Juan — No, no: nothing can terrify me, and my sword will
tell me whether this is body or spirit.
[The Spectre disappears when Don Juan tries to strike it. ]
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, yield to such repeated proofs!
Juan - No: whatever may happen, it shall never be said that
I could repent. Cone, follow me.
## p. 10198 (#626) ##########################################
10198
MOLIÈRE
Enter The Statue of the Commandant
Statue - Stop, Don Juan: you promised me yesterday to come
and have supper with me.
Juan - Yes: where shall we go?
Sganarelle - Give me your hand.
Juan — Here it is.
Statue - Don Juan, obstinacy in sin brings after it a fearful
death, and by rejecting the mercy of Heaven we open a way for
its wrath.
Juan - Oh, heavens! what do I feel? An invisible fire con-
sumes me! I can bear it no longer. My whole body is one ardent
flame - Oh! - Oh! -
[ The lightning flashes around Don Juan, and loud claps of thunder are
heard. The earth opens and swallows him up. From the spot where
he has disappeared burst forth flames of fire. )
Sganarelle — Ah! my wages! my wages! His death is a rep-
aration to all. Heaven offended, laws violated, families dishon-
ored, girls ruined, wives led astray, husbands driven to despair,
everybody is satisfied. I am the only one to suffer. My wages,
my wages, my wages!
[The curtain falls. ]
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE SHAM MARQUIS AND THE AFFECTED LADIES
From (Les Précieuses Ridicules)
[The scene is the drawing-room of the provincial but ambitious ladies
Mademoiselle Madelon and her cousin Mademoiselle Cathos, visiting Paris.
Both are dressed in the height of fashionable absurdity. To them enters
Mascarille, a clever valet, disguised by his master as a marquis and Parisian
gentleman, for the purpose of tricking the silly young women and making them
more sensible through the humiliation of their discovery. He plays his part
with much gusto. ]
M
ASCARILLE (after having bowed to them]- Ladies, you will
be surprised, no doubt, at the boldness of my visit, but
your reputation brings this troublesome incident upon you:
merit has for me such powerful attractions, that I run after it
wherever it is to be found.
Madelon - If you pursue merit, it is not in our grounds that
you should hunt after it.
## p. 10199 (#627) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10199
Cathos — If you find merit among us, you must have brought
it here yourself.
Mascarille - I refuse assent to such an assertion. Fame tells
the truth in speaking of your worth; and you will pique, repique,
and capot * all the fashionable world of Paris.
Madelon — Your courtesy carries you somewhat too far in the
liberality of your praises; and we must take care, my cousin and
I, not to trust too much to the sweetness of your flattery.
Cathos — My dear, we should call for chairs.
,
Madelon [to servant]— Almanzor!
Almansor - Madame.
Madelon — Quick! convey us hither at once the appliances of
conversation.
>
(Almanzor brings chairs. ]
Mascarille — But stay, is there any security for me here?
Cathos What can you fear?
Mascarille — Some robbery of my heart, some assassination of
my freedom.
I see before me two eyes which seem to me to be
very dangerous fellows; they abuse liberty and give no quarter,
The deuce! no sooner is any one near, but they are up in arms,
and ready for their murderous attack! Ah! upon my word I
mistrust them! I shall either run away, or require good security
that they will do me no harm.
Madelon — What playfulness, my dear.
Cathos — Yes, I see he is an Amilcar.
Madelon — Do not fear: our eyes have no evil intentions; your
heart may sleep in peace, and may rest assured of their innocence.
Cathos - But for pity's sake, sir, do not be inexorable to that
arm-chair, which for the last quarter of an hour has stretched
out its arms to you: satisfy the desire it has of embracing you.
Mascarille [after having combed himself and adjusted his can-
ions] – Well, ladies, what is your opinion of Paris ?
Madelon — Alas! can there be two opinions? It would be the
antipodes of reason not to confess that Paris is the great museum
of wonders, the centre of good taste, of wit and gallantry.
Mascarille — I think for my part that out of Paris, people of
position cannot exist.
Cathos - That is a never-to-be-disputed truth.
* Terms in piquet, a then fashionable game of cards.
## p. 10200 (#628) ##########################################
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MOLIÈRE
Mascarille — It is somewhat muddy, but then we have sedan.
chairs.
Madelon - Yes, a chair is a wonderful safeguard against the
insults of mud and bad weather.
Mascarille - You must have many visitors ? What great wit
belongs to your circle ?
Madelon Alas! we are not known yet; but we have every
hope of being so before long, and a great friend of ours has
promised to bring us all the gentlemen who have written in the
Elegant Extracts. '
Cathos As well as some others, who, we are told, are the
sovereign judges in matters of taste.
Mascarille — Leave that to me! I can manage that for you
better than any one else. They all visit me, and I can truly say
that I never get up in the morning without having half a dozen
wits about me.
Madclon -- Ah! we should feel under the greatest obligation
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society. By them reputations are made in Paris;
and you know that it is quite sufficient to be seen with some
of them to acquire the reputation of a connoisseur, even though
there should be no other foundation for the distinction. But for
my part, what I value most is, that in such society we learn a
hundred things which it is one's duty to know, and which are the
quintessence of wit: the scandal of the day; the latest things out
in prose or verse. We hear exactly and punctually that a M. A
has composed the most beautiful piece in the world on such-and-
such a subject; that Madame B has adapted words to such-and-
such an air; that M. C has composed a madrigal on the fidelity
of his lady-love, and M. D upon the faithlessness of his; that
yesterday evening the Sieur E wrote a sixain to Mademoiselle F,
to which she sent an answer this morning at eight o'clock; that
M. G has such-and-such a project in his head; that M. His
occupied with the third volume of his romance; and that M. J
has his work in the press. By knowledge like this we acquire
consideration in every society; whereas if we are left in ignor-
ance of such matters, all the wit we may possess is a thing of
naught and as dust in the balance.
Cathos - Indeed, I think it is carrying the ridiculous to the
extreme, for any one who makes the least pretense to wit, not
## p. 10201 (#629) ##########################################
MOLIERE
I0201
to know even the last little quatrain that has been written. For
my part, I should feel greatly ashamed if some were by
chance to ask me if I had seen some new thing which I had not
one
seen.
Mascarille — It is true that it is disgraceful not to be one
of the very first to know what is going on. But do not make
yourself anxious about it; I will establish an academy of wits in
your house, and I promise you that not a single line shall be
written in all Paris which you shall not know by heart before
anybody else. I, your humble servant, indulge a little in writing
poetry when I feel in the vein; and you will find handed about
in all the ruelles of Paris two hundred songs, as many sonnets,
four hundred epigrams, and more than a thousand madrigals,
without reckoning enigmas and portraits.
Madelon — I must acknowledge that I am madly fond of por-
traits: there is nothing more elegant, according to my opin-
ion.
Mascarille — Portraits are difficult, and require a deep insight
into character; but you shall see some of mine which will please
you.
Cathos — I must say that for my part I am appallingly fond of
enigmas.
Mascarille — They form a good occupation for the mind; and
I have already written four this morning, which I will give you
to guess.
Madelon — Madrigals are charming when they are neatly
turned.
Mascarille -- I have a special gift that way, and I am engaged
in turning the whole Roman History into madrigals.
Madelon — Ah! that will be exquisite. Pray let me have a
copy, if you publish it.
Mascarille - I promise you each a copy beautifully bound. It
is beneath my rank to occupy myself in that fashion; but I do it
· for the benefit of the publishers, who leave me no peace.
Madelon — I should think that it must be a most pleasant
thing to see one's name in print.
Mascarille - Undoubtedly. By-the-by, let me repeat to you
some extempore verses I made yesterday at the house of a friend
of mine, a duchess, whom I went to see. You must know that
I'm a wonderful hand at impromptus.
Cathos – An impromptu is the touchstone of genius.
## p. 10202 (#630) ##########################################
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MOLIÈRE
Mascarille - Listen.
Madelon We are all ears.
Mascarille
Oh! oh!
ished upon you charms which dazzle the eye and which touch the
heart; and I have never gazed on you, perfect creature, without
admiring the Creator of the universe, and without feeling my
2
## p. 10187 (#615) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10187
heart seized with an ardent love for the most beautiful picture
in which he has reproduced himself. At first I feared that this
secret tenderness might be a skillful assault of the Evil One; I
even thought I would avoid your presence, fearing you might
prove a stumbling-block to my salvation. But I have learnt, O
adorable beauty, that my passion need not be a guilty one; that
I can reconcile it with modesty; and I have given up my whole
soul to it. I know that I am very presumptuous in making you
the offer of such a heart as mine; but in my love I hope every-
thing from you, nothing from the vain efforts of my unworthy
self. In you is my hope, my happiness, my peace; on you de-
pends my misery or bliss: and by your verdict I shall be forever
happy, if you wish it: unhappy, if it pleases you.
Elmire — Quite a gallant declaration. But you must acknowl-
edge that it is rather surprising. It seems to me that you might
have fortified your heart a little more carefully against tempta-
tion, and have paused before such a design. A devotee like you,
who is everywhere spoken of as-
Tartuffe - Ah! Although a devotee, I am no less a man.
When your celestial attractions burst upon the sight, the heart
surrenders, and reasons no more.
I know that such language
from me seems somewhat strange: but after all, madame, I am
not an angel; and if you condemn the confession I make, you
have only your own attractions to blame for it.
As soon
I beheld their more than human beauty, my whole being was
surrendered to you. The unspeakable sweetness of your divine
charms forced the obstinate resistance of my heart; it overcame
everything — fasting, prayers, and tears — and fixed all my hopes
in you. A thousand times my eyes and my sighs have told you
this; to-day I explain myself with words. Ah! if you consider
with some kindness the tribulations and trials of your unworthy
slave, if your goodness has compassion on me and deigns to
stoop so low as my nothingness, I shall ever have for you, O
marvelous beauty, a devotion never to be equaled. With me
your reputation runs no risk, and has no disgrace to fear. Men
like me burn with a hidden flame, and secrecy is forever assured.
The care which we take of our own reputation is a warrant to
the woman who accepts our heart, that she will find love without
scandal, and pleasure without fear.
Elmire - I have listened to you, and your rhetoric expresses
itself in terms strong enough. Are you not afraid that I might
as
## p. 10188 (#616) ##########################################
10188
MOLIÈRE
be disposed to tell my husband of this passionate declaration, and
that its sudden disclosure might influence the friendship which
he has toward you ?
Tartuffe — I know that your tender-heartedness is too great,
and that you will excuse, because of human frailty, the violent
transports of a love which offends you, and will consider, when
you look at yourself, that people are not blind, and that flesh is
weak.
Elmire — Others might take all this differently; but I will
endeavor to show my discretion. I will tell nothing to my hus-
band of what has taken place; but in return I must require one
thing of you, -- which is to forward honestly and sincerely the
marriage which has been decided between Valère and Marianne,
and to renounce the unjust power which would enrich you with
what belongs to another,
Damis [coming out of a side room where he was hidden] - No,
madame, no! All this must be made public! I was in that place
and overheard everything. Heaven in its goodness seems to have
directed my steps hither, to confound the pride of a wretch who
wrongs me, and to guide me to a sure revenge for his hypocrisy
and insolence. I will undeceive my father, and will show him in
a clear, strong light the heart of the miscreant who dares to
speak to you of love.
Elmire-- No, Damis: it is sufficient if he promises to amend,
and endeavors to deserve the forgiveness I have spoken of.
Since I have promised it, let me abide by my word. I have
no wish for scandal. A woman should despise these follies, and
never trouble her husband's ears with them.
Damis - You have your reasons for dealing thus with him,
and I have mine for acting otherwise. It is a mockery to try to
In the insolent pride of his canting bigotry he has
already triumphed too much over my just wrath, and has caused
too many troubles in our house. The impostor has governed my
father but too long, and too long opposed my love and Valère's.
It is right that my father's eyes should be opened to the perfidy
of this villain. Heaven offers me an easy opportunity, and I am
thankful for it. Were I not to seize it, I should deserve never to
have another.
Elmire — Damis-
Damis — No, I will, with your permission, follow my own coun-
sel. My heart is overjoyed; and it is in vain for you to try and
spare him.
## p. 10189 (#617) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10189
dissuade me from tasting the pleasure of revenge. I will at
once make a full disclosure of all this. But here is the very
person to give me satisfaction.
Enter Orgon
Damis - Come, father, we will treat your arrival with a piece
of news which will somewhat surprise you. You are well re-
warded for all your caresses, and this gentleman well repays your
tenderness. His great zeal for you has just shown itself, and
stops at nothing short of dishonoring you. I have overheard him
here, making to your wife an insulting declaration. She, amiable
and gentle, and in her too great discretion, insisted upon keep-
ing the matter a secret from you; but I cannot encourage such
shamelessness, and I think it would be an offense to you were I
to be silent about it.
Exit Elmire. )
Orgon — What do I hear! O Heaven! Is it possible!
Tartuffe [with an entire change of look, manner, and accent]
- Yes, brother, I am a wicked, guilty, miserable sinner, full of
iniquity, the greatest wretch that earth ever bore. Each moment
of my life is overburdened with pollution; it is but a long con-
tinuation of crimes and defilement, and I see that Heaven, to
punish me for my sins, intends to mortify me on this occasion.
However great may be the crime laid to my charge, I have
neither the wish nor the pride to deny it. Believe what is said
to you, arm all your wrath, and drive me like a criminal from
your house. Whatever shame is heaped upon me, I deserve even
greater.
Orgon [to his son]— Ah, miscreant! how dare you try to sully
the spotless purity of his virtue with this falsehood ?
Damis- What! the feigned meekness of this hypocrite will
make you give the lie to-
Orgon — Hold your tongue, you cursed plague!
Tartuffe — Ah! let him speak; you blame him wrongfully, and
you would do better to believe what he tells you. Why should
you be so favorable to me in this instance? Do you know, after
all, what I am capable of doing? Do you, brother, trust to the
outward man; and do you think me good, because of what you
see? No, no: you are deceived by appearances, and I am, alas! no
better than they think. Everybody takes me for a good man, no
## p. 10190 (#618) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10190
doubt; but the truth is, that I am worthless. [To Damis. ] Yes,
dear child, speak; call me perfidious, infamous, reprobate, thief,
and murderer; load me with still more hateful names: I do
not gainsay them, I have deserved them all; and on my knees I
will suffer the ignominy due to the crimes of my shameful life.
[Kneels. ]
Orgon [to Tartuffe]— Ah, brother, this is too much! [To his
son. ] Does not your heart relent, traitor ?
Damis What! can his words so far deceive you as —
Orgon — Hold your tongue, you rascal! [Raising Tartuffe. ]
Brother, pray rise. [To his son. ] Wretch!
Damis — He can-
Orgon - Hold your tongue!
Damis - I am furious. What! I am taken for —
Orgon — If you say one word more, I'll break every bone -
Tartuffe — In heaven's name, my brother, do not forget
yourself! I had rather suffer the greatest injury than that he
should receive the most trifling hurt on my account.
Orgon [to his son]-Ungrateful wretch !
Tartuffe - Leave him in peace. If I must on my knees ask
forgiveness for him –
[He falls on his knees; Orgon does the same, and embraces Tartuffe. ]
Orgon — Alas! my brother, what are you doing? [To his son. )
See his goodness, rascal!
Damis So-
Orgon - Peace.
Damis - What! 1-
Orgon — Peace, I say. I know the motive which makes you
accuse him. You all hate him; and I now see wife, children,
and servants embittered against him. You have recourse to every-
thing to drive this pious person from my home. But the more
you strive to send him away, the more will I do to keep him. I
will, therefore, to crush the pride of the whole family, hasten his
marriage with my daughter.
Damis – You mean to force her to accept him ?
Orgon — Yes, traitor; and to confound you all, it shall be done
this very evening. Ah! I defy the whole household; I will show
you that you have to obey me, and that I am the master here.
Now, quick, retract your words, and this very moment throw
yourself at his feet to ask his forgiveness.
## p. 10191 (#619) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10191
Damis — Who? I? Ask forgiveness of the villain who by his
impostures-
Orgon - What, scoundrel! you refuse, and abuse him besides ?
A cudgel! give me a cudgel! [To Tartuffe. ] Don't prevent me.
[To his son. ] Get out of my house this moment, and be careful
you are never bold enough to set foot in it again.
Damis-Yes, I shall go; but-
Orgon - Quick then, decamp: I disinherit you, you scoundrel,
and give you my curse besides.
[Exit Damis. ]
-
Orgon — To offend a holy man in that way!
Tartuffe-0 Heaven! forgive me as I forgive him! [To
Orgon. ] If you could know the pain it gives me to see them try
to blacken my character to you, dear brother -
Orgon- Alas!
Tartuffe — The very thought of this ingratitude is a torture
too great for me to bear - The horror that I feel — My heart
is so full that I cannot speak
It will kill me.
Orgon [in tears, running to the door where he drove his son
out] - Wretch! how I grieve to have spared you, and not to have
made an end of you on the spot. [To Tartuffe. ] Compose your-
self, brother; do not give way to grief.
Tartuffe - No, let us put an end to all these painful disputes.
I see what great troubles I occasion here, and I think, brother,
that my duty is to leave your house.
Orgon - How! surely you are not in earnest ?
Tartuffe — They hate me; and I see that they will try to make
you doubt my good faith towards you.
Orgon — What does it matter?
me listen to
them ?
Tartuffe — I have no doubt but that they will persevere in
their attacks; and these very reports which you refuse to believe
to-day may another time be credited by you.
Orgon — No, brother; never.
Tartuffe — Ah! brother, a wife can easily influence the mind
of her husband.
Orgon - No, no.
Tartuffe — Let me go away, and thus remove from them all
occasion of attacking me.
Orgon — No, you will stop here: my life depends upon it.
Do you
see
## p. 10192 (#620) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10192
Tartuffe — Well, if it is so, I must do violence to myself.
Ah, if you only would —
Orgon — No!
Tartuffe — I yield. Let us say no more about it. But I know
how I must behave in future. Honor is a delicate matter, and
friendship requires me to prevent reports and causes for suspi-
cion. I will avoid your wife, and you shall never see me —
Orgon — No, you will see and speak to her in spite of every-
body. I delight in vexing people; and I wish you to be seen in
her company at all hours of the day. This is not all. The bet-
ter to brave them, I will have no other heir but you; and I will
go at once and draw up a deed of gift, by which you will inherit
all my possessions. A true, faithful friend whom I take for son-
in-law is more precious to me than son, wife, or relations. Will
you not accept what I propose ?
Tartuffe — May Heaven's will be done in all things!
Orgon - Poor man! Let us go forthwith to draw up
the
deed, and then let envy burst with rage!
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE FATE OF DON JUAN
From Don Juan: or, The Feast of the Statue)
[The stage represents a solitary country spot in Sicily, not remote from
the tomb (crowned by a statue) of the commandant whom Don Juan has
slain in a duel. Don Juan and his servant Sganarelle enter, with Don Louis,
the father of the dissolute hero. Don Louis has heard that his son has de-
cided on a complete moral reformation. ]
OUIS
- What! my son, is it possible that merciful Heaven has
heard my prayers ? Is what you tell me true? Are you
not deceiving me with false hopes ? And inay I trust the
surprising news of such a conversion ?
Juan — Yes, you see me reclaimed from all my sins; I am no
longer the same man I was yesterday, and Heaven Hias suddenly
wrought in me a change which will be the wonder of every one.
It has touched my heart and opened my eyes, and I look back
with horror on my long time of blindness, and on the criminal
disorders of the life I have led. My mind dwells up bn all its
abominations; and I am astonished that Heaven has borne them
## p. 10193 (#621) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10193
>
so long, and has not made me feel its vengeance.
I feel the
mercy that has been shown me in my not being punished for my
crimes, and I am ready to profit by it as I ought; to show to
the world the sudden change in my life; thus to make up for
the scandal of my past actions, and try to obtain a full pardon.
Towards this will all my endeavors tend in future; and in order
to help me in the new life I have chosen, I beseech you, sir,
to choose for me a person who can help me, and under whose
guidance I may be enabled to walk safely in the new path
opened before me.
Louis — Ah! how easily the love of a father is recalled, and
how quickly forgotten are the faults of a son at the mention of
the word repentance! After what I have just heard, I remember
no more all the sorrow you have caused me; everything is oblit-
erated from my memory. My happiness is extreme; I weep for
joy; all my dearest wishes are granted, and I have nothing else
to ask of Heaven. Let us embrace each other, my son. Persist,
I beseech you, in this praiseworthy resolution. I will go at once
and carry this good news to your mother, share with her my
joy, and thank Heaven for the holy thoughts with which it has
inspired you.
[Erit.
Sganarolle — Ah, sir, how happy I am to see you converted!
I have been a long time looking forward for this; and thank
Heaven, all my wishes are satisfied.
Juan — Plague take the booby!
Sganarelle -- How, the booby?
Juan - What! you take for ready money what I have just
said, and fancy that my lips agree with my heart ?
Sganarelle — Why! it is not — you do not — your – [Aside. ]
Oh, what a man! what a man! what a man!
Juan — Oh dear, no; I am not changed in the least, and all
my thoughts are the same.
Sganarelle — You do not yield, after the marvelous miracle of
that moving and speaking statue ?
Juan — There certainly is something about it which I do not
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p. 10194 (#622) ##########################################
10194
MOLIÈRE
myself in respect to men from a hundred troublesome adventures
which might happen to me. I am glad to take you into my
confidence, Sganarelle, for I like to have a witness of what I
feel, and of the real motives which oblige me to act as I do.
Sganarelle — What! you believe in nothing, and yet you mean
to pass for a God-fearing man?
Juan — And why not? There are plenty of others besides me
who borrow the same feathers, and who use the same mask to
deceive the world.
Sganarelle [aside] - Ah, what a man! what a man!
Juan — There is no longer any shame in hypocrisy: it is a
fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtues. To
act the part of a good man is the best part one can act. The
profession of hypocrisy has wonderful advantages. It is an art
the imposture of which is always looked upon with respect; and
although the world may see through the deceit, it dares say
nothing against it. All the other vices of mankind are open to
censure, and every one is at liberty to attack them boldly; but
hypocrisy is a privileged vice, which closes the mouth of every
one, and enjoys in peace a sovereign impunity. By dint of cant
we enter into a kind of league with those of the same party, and
whoever falls out with one of us has the whole set against him;
whilst those who are really sincere, and who are known to be
in earnest, are always the dupes of the others, are caught in
the net of the hypocrites, and blindly lend their support to those
who ape their conduct. You could hardly believe what a num-
ber of these people I know, who with the help of such stratagem
have put a decent veil over the disorders of their youth, have
sought shelter under the cloak of religion, and under its vener-
ated dress are allowed to be as wicked as they please. Although
people are aware of their intrigues, and know them for what they
are, their influence is none the less real. They are well received
everywhere; and a low bending of the head, deep sighs, and
rolling eyes, make up for all they can be guilty of. It is under
this convenient dress that I mean to take refuge and put my
affairs to rights. I shall not give up my dear habits, but will
carefully hide them, and avoid all show in my pleasures. If I
am discovered, the whole cabal will take up my interests of their
own accord, and will defend me against everybody. In short, it
,
is the only safe way of doing all I like with impunity. I shall
set up for a censor of other people's actions. I shall speak evil
## p. 10195 (#623) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10195
of everybody. If I am but ever so slightly offended, I shall
never forgive, but bear an irreconcilable hatred. I shall make
myself the avenger of the interests of Heaven; and under this
convenient shelter I will pursue my enemies, will accuse them of
impiety, and know how to let loose against them the officious
zealots who, without understanding how the truth stands, will heap
abuse upon them and damn them boldly on their own private
authority. It is thus that we can profit by the weaknesses of
men, and that a wise man can accommodate himself to the vices
of his age.
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! what do I hear? You only lacked
hypocrisy to make you perfectly bad; and this is the height of
abomination. Sir, this last thing is too much for me, and I
cannot help speaking. Do to me all you please; beat me, break
every bone in my body, kill me if you like: but I must speak
out my thoughts, and like a faithful servant say what I ought.
Know, sir, that the pitcher goes once too often to the well: and
as that author, whose name I do not recollect, truly said, man is
in this world like the bird on the branch; the branch is attached
to the tree; whoever is attached to the tree follows good pre-
cepts; good precepts are better than fine words; fine words are
found at court; at court are the courtiers; courtiers are followers
of fashion; fashion comes from fancy; fancy is a faculty of the
mind; the mind is life to us; life ends in death; death makes
us think of heaven; the sky is above the earth; the earth is not
the sea; the sea is subject to tempests; tempests endanger ships;
ships require pilots; a good pilot has prudence; prudence is not
the gift of young men; young men ought to obey their elders;
old men love riches; riches make people rich; the rich are not
poor; the poor know what want is; necessity has no law; those
who have no law live like the brute; and consequently you will
be damned with all the devils.
Juan - A noble argument.
Sganarelle — After this if you do not change, so much the
worse for you.
Enter Don Carlos
Carlos — Don Juan, I meet with you opportunely; and I am
glad to ask you in this place rather than in your house what
resolutions you have taken. You know that this duty belongs to
me, that I took it upon myself in your presence. I cannot hide
## p. 10196 (#624) ##########################################
10196
MOLIÈRE
from you that I should like the difficulty to be settled by gentle
means; there is nothing I would not do to prevail upon you to
choose the right path, and to see you publicly confirm your mar-
riage with my sister.
Juan [in a hypocritical tone) — Alas! I wish with all my heart
that I could give you the satisfaction you ask for: but Heaven
is directly opposed to it; it has inspired me with the design of
reforming my mode of life, and I have now no other thoughts
than to leave all earthly engagements, to forsake all vanities,
to atone by an austere life for all the criminal disorders into
which the heat of passion and blind youth have carried me.
Carlos – Your intentions, Don Juan, do not clash with what
I propose: the company of a legitimate wife and the laudable
thoughts Heaven has inspired you with, can well agree.
Juan — Alas! no. It is a decision which your sister herself
has taken, for she has retired to a convent. Both our hearts
were touched at the same time.
Carlos — Her retreat cannot satisfy us, for it might be imputed
to the contempt you had thrown on her and her family: our
honor requires that she should live openly with you.
Juan — I assure you that the thing is not possible. I had the
greatest wish to do so, and even to-day I asked advice of Heaven
about it; but when I consulted it, I heard a voice saying that I
was not to think of your sister, and that with her for my com-
panion I should certainly not work out my salvation.
Carlos - Do you think you will impose upon me with those
-
fine excuses ?
Juan - I obey Heaven's voice.
Carlos - What! you imagine that I can be satisfied with such
stories as these ?
Juan — Such is the will of Heaven.
Carlos – You make my sister leave her convent, and abandon
her afterwards?
Juan- Heaven orders it should be so.
Carlos - We must bear such a disgrace ?
Juan - Seek redress from Heaven.
Carlos - What! always Heaven?
Juan — It is the will of Heaven.
Carlos - Enough, Don Juan: I understand you. It is not
here that I will attack you, - the place will not admit of it, - but
I will soon find you out.
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Juan – You will do as you please. You know that I do not
lack courage, and that I can use my sword when it is necessary.
I will go in a few minutes through this narrow lane by the side
of the convent: but I declare to you that I do not wish to fight;
Heaven forbid I should think of such a thing: but if you attack
me, we will see what will ensue.
Carlos — We shall indeed see.
[Exit.
Sganarelle — Sir, what is this new style you adopt? This is
worse than all the rest put together; I had much rather see you
as you were before. I always looked forward to your salvation
before; but from henceforth I give up all hope, and I believe
that Heaven, which has borne with you to this day, will never
tolerate this last abomination.
Juan Come, come: Heaven is not so strict as you think, and
if each time that men
Enter a Spectre in the form of a veiled woman
Sganarelle (seeing the Spectre]— Ah, sir, Heaven speaks to and
warns you!
Juan — This may be a warning from Heaven; but it must be
expressed more clearly if I am to understand it.
Spectre - Don Juan has but a moment longer to profit by the
mercy of Heaven; if he does not repent now, his destruction is
certain.
Sganarelle — Sir, do you hear?
Juan — Who dares speak such words to me? I think I know
this voice.
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, it is a ghost! I know it by its way of
walking.
Juan - Ghost, phantom, or devil, I will see what it is.
[The Spectre changes shape, and represents Time with his scythe in his
hand. )
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! Do you see, sir, this change of
shape?
Juan — No, no: nothing can terrify me, and my sword will
tell me whether this is body or spirit.
[The Spectre disappears when Don Juan tries to strike it. ]
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, yield to such repeated proofs!
Juan - No: whatever may happen, it shall never be said that
I could repent. Cone, follow me.
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Enter The Statue of the Commandant
Statue - Stop, Don Juan: you promised me yesterday to come
and have supper with me.
Juan - Yes: where shall we go?
Sganarelle - Give me your hand.
Juan — Here it is.
Statue - Don Juan, obstinacy in sin brings after it a fearful
death, and by rejecting the mercy of Heaven we open a way for
its wrath.
Juan - Oh, heavens! what do I feel? An invisible fire con-
sumes me! I can bear it no longer. My whole body is one ardent
flame - Oh! - Oh! -
[ The lightning flashes around Don Juan, and loud claps of thunder are
heard. The earth opens and swallows him up. From the spot where
he has disappeared burst forth flames of fire. )
Sganarelle — Ah! my wages! my wages! His death is a rep-
aration to all. Heaven offended, laws violated, families dishon-
ored, girls ruined, wives led astray, husbands driven to despair,
everybody is satisfied. I am the only one to suffer. My wages,
my wages, my wages!
[The curtain falls. ]
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE SHAM MARQUIS AND THE AFFECTED LADIES
From (Les Précieuses Ridicules)
[The scene is the drawing-room of the provincial but ambitious ladies
Mademoiselle Madelon and her cousin Mademoiselle Cathos, visiting Paris.
Both are dressed in the height of fashionable absurdity. To them enters
Mascarille, a clever valet, disguised by his master as a marquis and Parisian
gentleman, for the purpose of tricking the silly young women and making them
more sensible through the humiliation of their discovery. He plays his part
with much gusto. ]
M
ASCARILLE (after having bowed to them]- Ladies, you will
be surprised, no doubt, at the boldness of my visit, but
your reputation brings this troublesome incident upon you:
merit has for me such powerful attractions, that I run after it
wherever it is to be found.
Madelon - If you pursue merit, it is not in our grounds that
you should hunt after it.
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Cathos — If you find merit among us, you must have brought
it here yourself.
Mascarille - I refuse assent to such an assertion. Fame tells
the truth in speaking of your worth; and you will pique, repique,
and capot * all the fashionable world of Paris.
Madelon — Your courtesy carries you somewhat too far in the
liberality of your praises; and we must take care, my cousin and
I, not to trust too much to the sweetness of your flattery.
Cathos — My dear, we should call for chairs.
,
Madelon [to servant]— Almanzor!
Almansor - Madame.
Madelon — Quick! convey us hither at once the appliances of
conversation.
>
(Almanzor brings chairs. ]
Mascarille — But stay, is there any security for me here?
Cathos What can you fear?
Mascarille — Some robbery of my heart, some assassination of
my freedom.
I see before me two eyes which seem to me to be
very dangerous fellows; they abuse liberty and give no quarter,
The deuce! no sooner is any one near, but they are up in arms,
and ready for their murderous attack! Ah! upon my word I
mistrust them! I shall either run away, or require good security
that they will do me no harm.
Madelon — What playfulness, my dear.
Cathos — Yes, I see he is an Amilcar.
Madelon — Do not fear: our eyes have no evil intentions; your
heart may sleep in peace, and may rest assured of their innocence.
Cathos - But for pity's sake, sir, do not be inexorable to that
arm-chair, which for the last quarter of an hour has stretched
out its arms to you: satisfy the desire it has of embracing you.
Mascarille [after having combed himself and adjusted his can-
ions] – Well, ladies, what is your opinion of Paris ?
Madelon — Alas! can there be two opinions? It would be the
antipodes of reason not to confess that Paris is the great museum
of wonders, the centre of good taste, of wit and gallantry.
Mascarille — I think for my part that out of Paris, people of
position cannot exist.
Cathos - That is a never-to-be-disputed truth.
* Terms in piquet, a then fashionable game of cards.
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Mascarille — It is somewhat muddy, but then we have sedan.
chairs.
Madelon - Yes, a chair is a wonderful safeguard against the
insults of mud and bad weather.
Mascarille - You must have many visitors ? What great wit
belongs to your circle ?
Madelon Alas! we are not known yet; but we have every
hope of being so before long, and a great friend of ours has
promised to bring us all the gentlemen who have written in the
Elegant Extracts. '
Cathos As well as some others, who, we are told, are the
sovereign judges in matters of taste.
Mascarille — Leave that to me! I can manage that for you
better than any one else. They all visit me, and I can truly say
that I never get up in the morning without having half a dozen
wits about me.
Madclon -- Ah! we should feel under the greatest obligation
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society. By them reputations are made in Paris;
and you know that it is quite sufficient to be seen with some
of them to acquire the reputation of a connoisseur, even though
there should be no other foundation for the distinction. But for
my part, what I value most is, that in such society we learn a
hundred things which it is one's duty to know, and which are the
quintessence of wit: the scandal of the day; the latest things out
in prose or verse. We hear exactly and punctually that a M. A
has composed the most beautiful piece in the world on such-and-
such a subject; that Madame B has adapted words to such-and-
such an air; that M. C has composed a madrigal on the fidelity
of his lady-love, and M. D upon the faithlessness of his; that
yesterday evening the Sieur E wrote a sixain to Mademoiselle F,
to which she sent an answer this morning at eight o'clock; that
M. G has such-and-such a project in his head; that M. His
occupied with the third volume of his romance; and that M. J
has his work in the press. By knowledge like this we acquire
consideration in every society; whereas if we are left in ignor-
ance of such matters, all the wit we may possess is a thing of
naught and as dust in the balance.
Cathos - Indeed, I think it is carrying the ridiculous to the
extreme, for any one who makes the least pretense to wit, not
## p. 10201 (#629) ##########################################
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to know even the last little quatrain that has been written. For
my part, I should feel greatly ashamed if some were by
chance to ask me if I had seen some new thing which I had not
one
seen.
Mascarille — It is true that it is disgraceful not to be one
of the very first to know what is going on. But do not make
yourself anxious about it; I will establish an academy of wits in
your house, and I promise you that not a single line shall be
written in all Paris which you shall not know by heart before
anybody else. I, your humble servant, indulge a little in writing
poetry when I feel in the vein; and you will find handed about
in all the ruelles of Paris two hundred songs, as many sonnets,
four hundred epigrams, and more than a thousand madrigals,
without reckoning enigmas and portraits.
Madelon — I must acknowledge that I am madly fond of por-
traits: there is nothing more elegant, according to my opin-
ion.
Mascarille — Portraits are difficult, and require a deep insight
into character; but you shall see some of mine which will please
you.
Cathos — I must say that for my part I am appallingly fond of
enigmas.
Mascarille — They form a good occupation for the mind; and
I have already written four this morning, which I will give you
to guess.
Madelon — Madrigals are charming when they are neatly
turned.
Mascarille -- I have a special gift that way, and I am engaged
in turning the whole Roman History into madrigals.
Madelon — Ah! that will be exquisite. Pray let me have a
copy, if you publish it.
Mascarille - I promise you each a copy beautifully bound. It
is beneath my rank to occupy myself in that fashion; but I do it
· for the benefit of the publishers, who leave me no peace.
Madelon — I should think that it must be a most pleasant
thing to see one's name in print.
Mascarille - Undoubtedly. By-the-by, let me repeat to you
some extempore verses I made yesterday at the house of a friend
of mine, a duchess, whom I went to see. You must know that
I'm a wonderful hand at impromptus.
Cathos – An impromptu is the touchstone of genius.
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Mascarille - Listen.
Madelon We are all ears.
Mascarille
Oh! oh!
