THE HYPOCRITE UNMASKED. BY MOLIÈRE. (From "Tartuffe.") [For biographical sketch, see p. 281.] Present: TARTUFFE, ELMIRE, and ORGON. Tartuffe [to ELMIRE who has pretended to consent to his proposals] - Everything is propitious to me. I have searched every room, there is no one there; and my delighted soul . . [TARTUFFE goes with open arms to embrace ELMIRE; she draws back and TARTUFFE sees ORGON, her husband.] Orgon [stopping TARTUFFE] - Gently, gently, you yield too freely to your amorous transports, and you should be less imperious in your desires. desires. Oh! oh! holy man, you wanted to make a fool of me! How you give way to temptation! You marry my daughter, and covet my wife! I for a long time doubted if you were in earnest, and I expected every moment that you would change your tone, but this is carrying the proof far enough; I am satisfied, and I require no further test. Elmire [to TARTUFFE] - It is much against my inclination that I have done all this, but I have been driven to the necessity of treating you thus. Tartuffe [to ORGON]-What! can you believe . . Orgon-Come, no noise, out of this house, and without ceremony. Tartuffe My intention. . . Orgon Your speeches are no longer in season; leave this house at once. Tartuffe - It is to you to leave the house, you who speak as if you were master here. The house belongs to me, and I will make you know it. know it. I will soon show you that it is vain for you to resort to these base falsehoods to quarrel with me. You little know what you do when you insult me. I can confound and punish imposture, avenge offended Heaven, and make those repent who speak of driving me hence. [Exit. Elmire What language is this? What is it he means? Orgon Alas! I feel quite confused, and have little reason to laugh. Elmire-What is it? |