tartuffe production script usm 8'18'18€¦ · has in a hundred ways beguiled and tricked...
TRANSCRIPT
Tartuffe
ByMoliere
Translated
ByRichardWilbur
ProductionScriptUniversityofSouthernMaine
DepartmentofTheatreFall2018
CaryLibkin,Director
Rev.8/18/18Libkin
2
CastofCharacters
Orgon Masterofthehouse,providedgreatserviceinthelastwar;marriedtoElmire;hehasfallenundertheinfluenceofTartuffe
Damis Orgon’ssonbyhisfirstwife;ahotheadwhowouldenjoynothingmorethan
slicingTartuffetoribbonsCleante Elmire’sbrother,he’sthevoiceofreasonandcalmValere Mariane’ssuitor,theloveofherlifeTartuffe areligioushypocriteandcon-man;heweaselshiswayintotheOrgon’s
householdandalmostwalksawaywiththehouse;lustsafterElmireM.Loyal abailiffservesevictionpaperstoOrgonOfficer anofficerofthecourtLaurent Tartuffe’slackeyMme.PernelleOrgon’smother;totallydeludedbyTartuffeElmire Orgon’ssecondwife;TartuffelustsafterherDorine Mariane’smaid,butmuchmore;asaucycommentatoroftheactionMariane hopelesslyinlovewithValere,andhelplesswithoutDorine;daughterofOrgonFlipote silentmaidtoMme.Pernelle
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SCENEONEMADAMEPERNELLE,FLIPOTE,ELMIRE,MARIANE,DORINE,DAMIS,CLEANTE
MADAMEPERNELLE
Come,come,Flipote;it’stimeIleftthisplace.
ELMIREIcan’tkeepup,youwalkatsuchapace.
MADAMEPERNELLEDon’ttrouble,child;noneedtoshowmeout.It’snotyourmannersI’mconcernedabout.
ELMIREWemerelypayyoutherespectweowe.But,Mother,whythishurry?Mustyougo?
MADAMEPERNELLEImust.Thishouseappallsme.NooneinitWillpayattentionforasingleminute.Children,Itakemyleavemuchvexedinspirit.Ioffergoodadvice,butyouwon’thearit.Youallbreakinandchatteronandon.It’slikeamadhousewiththekeepergone.
DORINE
If…
MADAMEPERNELLEGirl,youtalktoomuch,andI’mafraid
You’refartoosaucyforalady’s-maid.Youpushineverywhereandhaveyoursay.
DAMISBut…
MADAMEPERNELLEYou,boy,growmorefoolisheveryday.
Tothinkmygrandsonshouldbesuchadunce!I’vesaidahundredtimes,ifI’vesaiditonce,Thatifyoukeepthecourseonwhichyou'vestarted,You’llleaveyourworthyfatherbroken-hearted.
ACTIACTI
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MARIANE
Ithink...
MADAMEPERNELLEAndyou,hissister,seemsopure,
Soshy,soinnocent,andsodemure.Butyouknowwhattheysayaboutstillwaters.Ipityparentswithsecretivedaughters.
ELMIRENow,Mother...
MADAMEPERNELLE
Andasforyou,child,letmeadd
Thatyourbehaviorisextremelybad,Andapoorexampleforthesechildren,too.Theirdear,deadmotherdidfarbetterthanyou.You’remuchtoofreewithmoney,andI’mdistressedToseeyousoelaboratelydressed.Whenit’sone’shusbandthatoneaimstoplease,Onehasnoneedofcostlyfripperies.
CLEANTEOh,Madam,really...
MADAMEPERNELLE
Youareherbrother,Sir,AndIrespectandloveyou;yetifIwereMyson,thislady’sgoodandpiousspouse,Iwouldn’tmakeyouwelcomeinmyhouse.You’refullofworldlycounselswhich,Ifear,Aren’tsuitablefordecentfolktohear.
DAMISYourmanTarruffeisfullofholyspeeches...
MADAMEPERNELLEAndpracticespreciselywhathepreaches.He’safineman,andshouldbelistenedto.Iwillnothearhimmockedbyfoolslikeyou.
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DAMISGoodGod!DoyouexpectmetosubmitTothetyrannyofthatcarpinghypocrite?MustweforgoalljoysandsatisfactionsBecausethatbigotcensuresallouractions?
DORINETohearhimtalk-andhetalksallthetime-There’snothingonecandothat’snotacrime.Herailsateverything,yourdearTartuffe.
MADAMEPERNELLEWhateverhereprovesdeservesreproof.He’souttosaveyoursouls,andallofyouMustlovehim,asmysonwouldhaveyoudo.
DAMISAhno,Grandmother,IcouldnevertakeTosucharascal,evenformyfather’ssake.That’showIfeel,andIshallnotdissemble.HiseveryactionmakesmeseetheandtrembleWithhelplessanger,andIhavenodoubtThatheandIwillshortlyhaveitout.
DORINESurelyitisashameandadisgraceToseethismanusurpthemaster’splace-Toseethisbeggarwho,whenfirsthecame,HadnotashoeorshoestringtohisnameSofarforgethimselfthathebehavesAsifthehousewerehis,andwehisslaves.
MADAMEPERNELLEWell,markmywords,yoursoulswouldfarefarbetterIfyouobeyedhispreceptstotheletter.
DORINEYouseehimasasaint.I’mfarlessawed;Infact,Iseerightthroughhim.He’safraud.
MADAMEPERNELLENonsense!
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Youallregardhimwithdistasteandfear
Becausehetellsyouwhatyou’reloathtohear,Condemnsyoursins,pointsoutyourmoralflaws,AndhumblystrivestofurtherHeaven’scause.
DORINE
Ifsinisallthatbothershim,whyisitHe’ssoupsetwhenfolkdropintovisit?IsHeavensooutragedbyasocialcallThathemustprophesyagainstusall?I’lltellyouwhatIthink:ifyouaskme,He’sjealousofmymistress’company.
MADAMEPERNELLERubbish!(ToElmire)He’snotalone,child,incomplainingOfallofyourpromiscuousentertaining.Why,thewholeneighborhood’supset,Iknow,ByallthesecarriagesthatcomeandgoWithcrowdsofguestsparadinginandoutAndnoisyservantsloiteringabout.Inallofthis,I’msurethere’snothingvicious;Butwhygivepeoplecausetobesuspicious?
CLEANTETheyneednocause;they’lltalkinanycase.Madam,thisworldwouldbeajoylessplaceIf,fearingwhatmalicioustonguesmightsay,Welockedourdoorsandturnedourfriendsaway.Onecan’tfightslander;it'salosingbattle;Letusinsteadignoretheirtittle-tattle.Let’sstrivetolivebyconscience’cleardecrees,Andletthegossipsgossipastheyplease.
DORINEIfthereistalkagainstus,Iknowthesource:It’sDaphneandherlittlehusband,ofcourse.ThosewhohavegreatestcauseforguiltandshameArequickesttobesmirchaneighbor’sname.Whenthere’sachanceforlibel,theynevermissit;WhensomethingcanbemadetoseemillicitThey’reoffatoncetospreadthejoyousnews,Addingtofactwhatfantasiestheychoose.
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Bytalkinguptheirneighbor’sindiscretionsTheyseektocamouflagetheirowntransgressions,Hopingthatothers’innocentaffairsWilllendahueofinnocencetotheirs,OrthattheirownblackguiltwillcometoseemPartofageneralshadycolor-scheme.
MADAMEPERNELLEAllthatisquiteirrelevant.IdoubtThatanyone’smorevirtuousanddevoutThandearOrante;andI’minformedthatsheCondemnsyourmodeoflifemostvehemently.
DORINEOh,yes,she’sstrict,devout,andhasnotaintOfworldliness;inshort,sheseemsasaint.Butitwastimewhichtaughtherthatdisguise;She’sthusbecauseshecan’tbeotherwise.Solongasherattractionscouldenthrall,Sheflouncedandflirtedandenjoyeditall,Butnowthatthey’renolongerwhattheywereShequitsaworldwhichfastisquittingher,AndwearsaveilofvirtuetoconcealHerbankruptbeautyandherlostappeal.
MADAMEPERNELLE(InitiallytoElmire)Thatsortoftalkiswhatyouliketohear;Thereforeyou’dhaveusallkeepstill,mydear,WhileMadamrattlesonthelivelongday.Nevertheless,Imeantohavemysay.Itellyouthatyou’reblesttohaveTartuffeDwelling,asmyson’sguest,beneaththisroof;ThatHeavenhassenthimtoforestallitswrathByleadingyou,oncemore,…(ToCléante)Iheardthatlaugh,Sir,andIsawthatwink!Gofindyoursillyfriendsandlaughsomemore!Enough;I’mgoing;don’tshowmetothedoor.Ileavethishouseholdmuchdismayedandvexed;IcannotsaywhenIshallseeyounext.(slappingFlipote)Wakeup,don’tstandtheregapingintospace!I’llslapsomesenseintothatstupidface.Move,move,youslut.
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SCENETWOCLEANTE,DORINE
CLEANTE
IthinkI’llstaybehind;Iwantnofurtherpiecesofhermind.Howthatoldlady...
DORINEOh,whatwouldn’tshesay
Ifshecouldhearyouspeakofherthatway!She’dthankyouforthelady,butI’msureShe’dfindtheoldalittlepremature.
CLEANTE
My,whatasceneshemade,andwhatadin!AndhowthismanTartuffehastakenherin!
DORINE
Yes,buthersonisevenworsedeceived;Hisfollymustbeseentobebelieved.Inthelatetroubles,heplayedanablepartAndservedthegovernmentwithwiseandloyalheart,Buthe’squitelosthissensessincehefellBeneathTartuffe’sinfatuatingspell.Hecallshimbrother,andloveshimashislife,Preferringhimtomother,child,orwife.Inhimandhimalonewillheconfide;He’smadehimhisconfessorandhisguide;HepetsandpampershimwithlovemoretenderThananyprettymistresscouldengender,Giveshimtheplaceofhonorwhentheydine,Delightstoseehimgorginglikeaswine,Stuffshimwithdaintiestillhisgutsdistend,Andwhenhebelches,cries“Godblessyou,friend!”Tartuffe,muchpleasedtofindsoeasyavictim,Hasinahundredwaysbeguiledandtrickedhim,Milkedhimofmoney,andwithhispermissionEstablishedhereasortofInquisition.EvenLaurent,hislackey,darestogiveUsarrogantadviceonhowtolive;HesermonizesusinthunderingtonesAndconfiscatesourribbonsandcolognes.LastweekhetoreakerchiefintopiecesBecausehefounditpressedinaLifeofJesus:
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HesaiditwasasintojuxtaposeUnholyvanitiesandholyprose.
SCENETHREEELMIRE,MARIANE,DAMIS,CLEANTE,DORINE
ELMIRE(ToCléante)
Youdidwellnottofollow;shestoodinthedoorAndsaidverbatimallshe’dsaidbefore.Isawmyhusbandcoming.IthinkI'dbestGoupstairsnowandtakealittlerest.
CLEANTEI’llwaitandgreethimhere;thenImustgo.I’vereallyonlytimetosayhello.
DAMISSoundhimaboutmysister’swedding,please.IthinkTartuffe’sagainstit,andthathe’sBeenurgingFathertowithdrawhisblessing.Asyouwellknow,I’dfindthatmostdistressing.UnlessmysisterandValérecanmarry,Myhopestowedhissisterwillmiscarry,AndI’mdetermined...
DORINEHe’scoming.
SCENEFOURORGON,CLEANTE,DORINE
ORGON
Ah,Brother,good-day.
CLEANTEWell,welcomeback.I’msorryIcan’tstay.Howwasthecountry?Blooming,Itrust,andgreen?
ORGONExcuseme,Brother;justonemoment.(ToDorine)
Dorine...Toputmymindatrest,Ialwayslearn
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ThehouseholdnewsthemomentIreturn.(ToDorine)Hasallbeenwell,thesetwodaysI’vebeengone?Howarethefamily?What’sbeengoingon?
DORINEYourwife,twodaysago,hadabadfever,Andafierceheadachewhichrefusedtoleaveher.
ORGONAh.AndTartuffe?
DORINETartuffe?Why,he’sroundandred,
Bustingwithhealth,andexcellentlyfed.
ORGONPoorfellow!
DORINEThatnight,themistresswasunable
Totakeasinglebiteatthedinner-table.Herheadache-pains,shesaid,weresimplyhellish.
ORGONAh.AndTartuffe?
DORINEHeatehismealwithrelish,
AndzealouslydevouredinherpresenceAlegofmuttonandabraceofpheasants.
ORGONPoorfellow!
DORINEWell,thepainscontinuedstrong,
Andsoshetossedandtossedthewholenightlong,Nowicy-cold,nowburninglikeaflame.Wesatbesideherbedtillmorningcame.
ORGONAh.AndTartuffe?
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DORINEWhy,havingeaten,herose
Andsoughthisroom,alreadyinadoze,Gotintohiswarmbed,andsnoredawayInperfectpeaceuntilthebreakofday.
ORGONPoorfellow!
DORINEAftermuchado,wetalkedher
Intodispatchingsomeoneforthedoctor.Hebledher,andthefeverquicklyfell.
ORGONAh.AndTartuffe?
DORINEHeboreitverywell.
Tokeephischeerfulnessatanycost,AndmakeupforthebloodMadamehadlostHedrank,atlunch,fourbeakersfullofport.
ORGONPoorfellow!
DORINEBotharedoingwell,inshort.
I’llgoandtellMadamethatyou’veexpressedKeensympathyandanxiousinterest.
SCENEFIVEORGON,CLEANTE
CLEANTE
Thatgirlwaslaughinginyourface,andthoughI’venowishtooffendyou,evensoI’mboundtosaythatshehadsomeexcuse.Howcanyoupossiblybesuchagoose?Areyousodazedbythisman’shocus-pocusThatalltheworld,savehim,isoutoffocus?You’vegivenhimclothing,shelter,food,andcare;Whymustyoualso...
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ORGONBrother,stoprightthere.
Youdonotknowthemanofwhomyouspeak.
CLEANTEIgrantyouthat.Butmyjudgment’snotsoweakThatIcan’ttell,byhiseffectonothers...
ORGONAh,whenyoumeethim,youtwowillbelikebrothers!There’sbeennoloftiersoulsincetimebegan.Heisamanwho...amanwho...anexcellentman.Tokeephispreceptsistobereborn,Andviewthisdunghillofaworldwithscorn.Yes,thankstohimI’machangedmanindeed.Underhistutelagemysoul’sbeenfreedFromearthlyloves,andeveryhumantie:Mymother,children,brother,andwifecoulddie,AndI’dnotfeelasinglemoment’spain.
CLEANTEThat’safinesentiment,Brother;mosthumane.
ORGONOh,hadyouseenTartuffeasIfirstknewhim,Yourheart,likemine,wouldhavesurrenderedtohim.HeusedtocomeintoourchurcheachdayAndhumblykneelnearby,andstarttopray.He’ddrawtheeyesofeverybodythereBythedeepfervorofhisheartfeltprayer;He’dsighandweep,andsometimeswithasoundOfrapturehewouldbendandkisstheground;Hisserving-man,nolessdevoutthanhe,Informedmeofhismaster’spoverty;Igavehimgifts,butinhishumblenessHe’dbegmeeverytimetogivehimless.“Oh,that’stoomuch,”he’dcry,“toomuchbytwice!Idon’tdeserveit.Thehalf,Sir,wouldsuffice.”AndwhenIwouldn’ttakeitback,he’dshareHalfofitwiththepoor,rightthenandthere.Atlength,HeavenpromptedmetotakehiminTodwellwithus,andfreeoursoulsfromsin.Heguidesourlives,andtoprotectmyhonorStaysbymywife,andkeepsaneyeuponher;
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Hetellsmewhomshesees,andallshedoes,AndseemsmorejealousthanIeverwas!
CLEANTEGoodGod,man!Haveyoulostyourcommonsense-Oristhisallsomejokeatmyexpense?Howcanyoustandthereandinallsobriety...
ORGONBrother,yourlanguagesavorsofimpiety.Toomuchfree-thinking’smadeyourfaithunsteady,AndasI’vewarnedyoumanytimesalready,’Twillgetyouintotroublebeforeyou’rethrough.
CLEANTESoI’vebeentoldbeforebydupeslikeyou:Beingblind,you’dhaveallothersblindaswell;Theclear-eyedmanyoucallaninfidel,AndhewhoseesthroughhumbugandpretenseIscharged,byyou,withwantofreverence.Sparemeyourwarnings,Brother;IhavenofearOfspeakingout,foryouandHeaventohear,Againstaffectedzealandpiousknavery.There’strueandfalseinpiety,asinbravery,AndjustasthosewhosecourageshinesthemostInbattle,aretheleastinclinedtoboast,SothosewhoseheartsaretrulypureandlowlyDon’tmakeaflashyshowofbeingholy.There’savastdifference,soitseemstome,Betweentruepietyandhypocrisy:Ah,Brother,man’sastrangelyfashionedcreatureWhoseldomiscontenttofollowNature,ButrecklesslypursueshisinclinationBeyondthenarrowboundsofmoderation,Andoften,bytransgressingReason’slaws,Pervertsaloftyaimornoblecause.Apassingobservation,butitapplies.
ORGONIsee,dearBrother,thatyou’reprofoundlywise;Youharboralltheinsightoftheage.Youareouroneclearmind,ouronlysage…
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CLEANTEBrother,Idon’tpretendtobeasage,NorhaveIallthewisdomoftheage.There’sjustoneinsightIwoulddaretoclaim:Iknowthattrueandfalsearenotthesame;AndjustasthereisnothingImorerevereThanasoulwhosefaithissteadfastandsincere,NothingthatImorecherishandadmireThanhonestzealandtruereligiousfire,SothereisnothingthatIfindmorebaseThanspeciouspiety’sdishonestface-
ORGONNowthen,dearBrother,isyourspeechconcluded?
CLEANTEWhy,yes.
ORGONYourservant,Sir.(Heturnstogo.)
CLEANTENo,Brother;wait.
There’sonemorematter.YouagreedoflateThatyoungValéremighthaveyourdaughter’shand.
ORGONIdid.
CLEANTEAndsetthedate,Iunderstand.
ORGONQuiteso.
CLEANTE
You’venowpostponedit;isthattrue?
ORGONNodoubt.
CLEANTE
Thematchnolongerpleasesyou?
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ORGONWhoknows?
CLEANTE
D’youmeantogobackonyourword?
ORGONIwon’tsaythat.
CLEANTE
Hasanythingoccurred;Whichmightentitleyoutobreakyourpledge?
ORGONPerhaps.
CLEANTEWhymustyouhem,andhaw,andhedge?
Theboyaskedmetosoundyouinthisaffair...
ORGONIt’sbeenapleasure.
CLEANTEButwhatshallItellValére?
ORGONWhateveryoulike.
CLEANTE
Butwhathaveyoudecided?Whatareyourplans?
ORGONIplan,Sir,tobeguided
ByHeaven’swill.
CLEANTECome,Brother,don’ttalkrot.
You’vegivenValéreyourword;willyoukeepit,ornot?
ORGONGoodday.
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CLEANTEThislookslikepoorValére’sundoing;
I’llgoandwarnhimthatthere’stroublebrewing.
ACTII
SCENEONEORGON,MARIANE
ORGON
Mariane.
MARIANEYes,Father?
ORGON
Awordwithyou;comehere.
MARIANEWhatareyoulookingfor?
ORGON
Eavesdroppers,dear.I’mmakingsureweshan’tbeoverheard.Someoneintherecouldcatchoureveryword.Ah,good,we’resafe.Now,Mariane,mychild,You’reasweetgirlwho’stractableandmild,WhomIholddear,andthinkmosthighlyof.
MARIANEI’mdeeplygrateful,Father,foryourlove.
ORGONThat’swellsaid,Daughter;andyoucanrepaymeIf,inallthings,you’llcheerfullyobeyme.
MARIANETopleaseyou,Sir,iswhatdelightsmebest.
ACTII
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ORGONGood,good.Now,whatd’youthinkofTartuffe,ourguest?
MARIANEI,Sir?
ORGONYes.Weighyouranswer;thinkitthrough.
MARIANEOh,dear.I’llsaywhateveryouwishmeto.
ORGONThat’swiselysaid,myDaughter.Sayofhim,then,Thathe’stheveryworthiestofmen,Andthatyou’refondofhim,andwouldrejoiceInbeinghiswife,ifthatshouldbemychoice.Well?
MARIANE
What?
ORGAN What'sthat?
MARIANE I…
ORGON Well?
MARIANE Forgiveme,pray.
ORGONDidyounothearme?
MARIANEOfwhom,Sir,mustIsay
ThatIamfondofhim,andwouldrejoiceInbeinghiswife,ifthatshouldbeyourchoice?
ORGONWhy,ofTartuffe.
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MARIANE
But,Father,that’sfalse,youknow.Whywouldyouhavemesaywhatisn’tso?
ORGONBecauseIamresolveditshallbetrue.Thatit’smywishshouldbeenoughforyou.
MARIANE
Youcan’tmean,Father...
ORGONYes,Tartuffeshallbe
Alliedbymarriagetothisfamily,Andhe’stobeyourhusband,isthatclear?It’safather’sprivilege...
SCENETWODorine,Orgon,Mariane
ORGON(ToDorine)
Whatareyoudoinginhere?IscuriositysofierceapassionWithyou,thatyoumusteavesdropinthisfashion?
DORINE
There’slatelybeenarumorgoingabout-Basedonsomehunchorchanceremark,nodoubt-ThatyoumeanMarianetowedTartuffe.I’velaugheditoff,ofcourse,asjustaspoof.
ORGONYoufinditsoincredible?
DORINEYes,Ido.
Iwon’tacceptthatstory,evenfromyou.
ORGONWell,you’llbelieveitwhenthethingisdone.
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DORINEYes,yes,ofcourse.Goonandhaveyourfun.
ORGONI’veneverbeenmoreseriousinmylife.
DORINEHa!
ORGONDaughter,Imeanit;you’retobehiswife.
DORINENo,don’tbelieveyourfather;it’sallahoax.
ORGONSeehere,youngwoman...
DORINECome,Sir,nomorejokes;
Youcan’tfoolus.
ORGONHowdareyoutalkthatway?
DORINEAllright,then:webelieveyou,sadtosay.Buthowamanlikeyou,wholookssowiseAndwearsamoustacheofsuchsplendidsize,Canbesofoolishasto…
ORGONSilence,please!
Mygirl,youtaketoomanyliberties.I’mmasterhere,asyoumustnotforget.
DORINEDolet’sdiscussthiscalmly;don’tbeupset.Youcan’tbeserious,Sir,aboutthisplan.WhatshouldthatbigotwantwithMariane?Prayingandfastingoughttokeephimbusy.Andthen,intermsofwealthandrank,whatishe?WhyshouldamanofpropertylikeyouPickoutabeggarson-in-law?
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ORGON
Thatwilldo.Speakofhispovertywithreverence.HisisapureandsaintlyindigenceWhichfartranscendsallworldlyprideandpelf.Helosthisfortune,ashesayshimself,BecausehecaredforHeavenalone,andsoWascarelessofhisinterestsherebelow.ImeantogethimoutofhispresentstraitsAndhelphimtorecoverhisestates-Which,inhispartoftheworld,havenosmallfame.Poorthoughheis,he’sagentlemanjustthesame.
DORINEYes,sohetellsus;and,Sir,itseemstomeSuchpridegoesveryillwithpiety....Butthisapproach,Isee,hasdrawnablank;Let’sspeak,then,ofhisperson,nothisrank.Doesn’titseemtoyouatriflegrimTogiveagirllikehertoamanlikehim?Whentwoaresoill-suited,can’tyouseeWhatthesadconsequenceisboundtobe?Ayounggirl’svirtueisimperiled,Sir,Whensuchamarriageisimposedonher;Forifone’sbridegroomisn’ttoone’staste,It’shardlyaninducementtobechaste,AndmanyamanwithhornsuponhisbrowHasmadehiswifethethingthatsheisnow.It’shardtobeafaithfulwife,inshort,Tocertainhusbandsofacertainsort,AfatherwhogiveshisdaughtertoamanshehatesMustanswerforhersinsatHeaven’sgates.Think,Sir,beforeyouplaysoriskyarole.
ORGONThisservant-girlpresumestosavemysoul!
DORINEYouwoulddowelltoponderwhatI’vesaid.
ORGONDaughter,we’lldisregardthisdunderhead.Justtrustyourfather’sjudgment.Oh,I’mawareThatIoncepromisedyoutoyoungValére;
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ButnowIhearhegambles,whichgreatlyshocksme.What’smore,I’vedoubtsabouthisorthodoxy.Hisvisitstochurch,Inote,areveryfew.
DORINEWouldyouhavehimgoatthesamehoursasyou,Andkneelnearby,tobesureofbeingseen?
ORGONIcandispensewithsuchremarks,Dorine.(ToMariane)Tartuffe,however,issureofHeaven’sblessing,Andthat’stheonlytreasureworthpossessing.
DORINEAndshe’llmakehimacuckold,justwaitandsee.
ORGONWhatlanguage!
DORINEOh,he’samanofdestiny;
He’smadeforhorns,andwhatthestarsdemandYourdaughter’svirtuesurelycan’twithstand.
ORGONDon’tinterruptmefurther.Whycan’tyoulearnThatcertainthingsarenoneofyourconcern?
DORINEIt’sforyourownsakethatIinterfere
ORGONMostkindofyou.Now,holdyourtongue,d’youhear?
DORINEIfIdidn’tloveyou…
ORGONSparemeyouraffection.
DORINEI’llloveyou,Sir,inspiteofyourobjection.
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ORGON
Blast!
DORINEIcan’tbear,Sir,foryourhonor’ssake,
Toletyoumakethisludicrousmistake.
ORGONYoumeantogoontalking?
DORINEIfIdidn’tprotest
Thissinfulmarriage,myconsciencecouldn’trest.
ORGONIfyoudon’tholdyourtongue,youlittleshrew…
DORINEWhat,lostyourtemper?Apiousmanlikeyou?
ORGONYes!Yes!Youtalkandtalk.I’mmaddenedbyit.Onceandforall,Itellyoutobequiet.
DORINEWell,I’llbequiet.ButI’llbethinkinghard.
ORGONThinkallyoulike,butyouhadbetterguardThatsaucytongueofyours,orI’ll… Now,childI’veweighedthismatterfully.
DORINE(aside) ItdrivesmewildThatIcan’tspeak.(Orgonglancesherway)
ORGON Tartuffeisnoyoungdandy,But,still,hisperson…
DORINE(aside) Isassweetascandy.
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ORGON
Issuchthat,evenifyoushouldn’tcareForhisothermerits…(heturnsfacingDorine)
DORINE They’llmakealovelypair.IfIwereshe,nomanwouldmarrymeAgainstmyinclinationandgoscot-free.He’dlearn,beforetheweddingdaywasover,Howreadilyawifecanfindalover.
ORGONItseemsyoutreatmyordersasajoke.
DORINEWhy,what’sthematter?‘TwasnottoyouIspoke.
ORGONWhatwereyoudoing?
DORINE Talkingtomyself,that’sall.
ORGONAh!(aside)Onemorebitofimpudenceandgall,AndIshallgiveheragoodslapintheface.(Heputshimselfinpositiontoslapher;Dorine,wheneverheglancesather,standsimmobileandsilent)Daughter,youshallaccept,andwithgoodgrace,ThehusbandI’veselected...Yourwedding-day...(ToDorine:)Whydon’tyoutalktoyourself?
DORINEI’venothingtosay.
ORGON
Come,justoneword.
DORINENothankyou,Sir.Ipass.
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ORGONCome,speak;I’mwaiting.
DORINEI’dnotbesuchanass.
ORGON(TurningtoMariane:)
Inshort,dearDaughter,Imeantobeobeyed,AndyoumustbowtothesoundchoiceI’vemade.
DORINE(Movingaway:)I’dnotwedsuchamonster,eveninjest.
(Organattemptstoslapher,butmisses.)
ORGONDaughter,thatmaidofyoursisathoroughpest;Shemakesmesinfullyannoyedandnettled.Ican’tspeakfurther;mynervesaretoounsettled.She’ssoupsetmebyherinsolenttalk,I’llcalmmyselfbygoingforawalk.
SCENE3DORINE,MARIANE
DORINE(Returning:)
Well,haveyoulostyourtongue,girl?MustIplayYourpart,andsaythelinesyououghttosay?Facedwithafatesohideousandabsurd,Canyounotutteronedissentingword?
MARIANEWhatgoodwoulditdo?Afather’spowerisgreat.
DORINEResisthimnow,oritwillbetoolate.
MARIANEBut...
DORINE
Tellhimonecannotloveatafather’swhim;Thatyoushallmarryforyourself,nothim;
25
Thatsinceit’syouwhoaretobethebride,It’syou,nothe,whomustbesatisfied;AndthatifhisTartuffeissosublime,He’sfreetomarryhimatanytime.
MARIANEI’vebowedsolongtoFather’sstrictcontrol,Icouldn’topposehimnow,tosavemysoul.
DORINE
Come,come,Mariane.Dolistentoreason,won’tyou?Valerehasaskedyourhand.Doyoulovehim,ordon’tyou?
MARIANEOh,howunjustofyou!WhatcanyoumeanByaskingsuchaquestion,dearDorine?Youknowthedepthofmyaffectionforhim;I’vetoldyouahundredtimeshowIadorehim.
DORINEIdon’tbelieveineverythingIhear;Whoknowsifyourprofessionsweresincere?
MARIANETheywere,Dorine,andyoudomewrongtodoubtit;HeavenknowsthatI’vebeenalltoofrankaboutit.
DORINEYoulovehim,then?
MARIANEOh,morethanIcanexpress.
DORINEAndhe,Itakeit,caresforyounolaw?
MARIANEIthinkso.
DORINEAndyouboth,withequalfire,
Bumtobemarried?
26
MARIANEThatisouronedesire.
DORINE
WhatofTartuffethen?Whatofyourfather’splan?
MARIANEI’llkillmyself,ifI’mforcedtowedthatman.
DORINEIhadn’tthoughtofthatrecourse.Howsplendid!Justdie,andallyourtroubleswillbeended!Afinesolution.Oh,itmaddensmeTohearyoutalkinthatself-pityingkey.
MARIANEDorine,howharshyouare!It’smostunfair.Youhavenosympathyformydespair.
DORINEI’venoneatallforpeoplewhotalkdrivelAnd,facedwithdifficulties,whineandsnivel.
MARIANENodoubtI’mtimid,butitwouldbewrong...
DORINETrueloverequiresaheartthat’sfirmandstrong.
MARIANEI’mstronginmyaffectionforValére,Butcopingwithmyfatherishisaffair.
DORINEButifyourfather’sbrainhasgrownsocrackedOverhisdearTartuffethathecanretractHisblessing,thoughyourwedding-daywasnamed,It’ssurelynotValérewho’stobeblamed.
MARIANEIfIdefiedmyfather,asyousuggest,Woulditnotseemunmaidenly,atbest?ShallIdefendmyloveattheexpenseOfbrazennessanddisobedience?
27
ShallIparademyheart’sdesires,andflaunt...
DORINENo,Iasknothingofyou.ClearlyyouwantTobeMrs.Tartuffe,andIfeelboundNottoopposeawishsoverysound.WhatrighthaveItocriticizethematch?Indeed,mydear,theman’sabrilliantcatch.MisterTartuffe!Now,there’samanofweight!Yes,yes,MisterTartuffe,I’mboundtostate,Isquiteaperson;that’snottobedenied;’Twillbenolittlethingtobehisbride.Theworldalreadyringswithhisrenown;He’sagreatnoble-inhisnativetown;Hisearsarered,hehasapinkcomplexion,Andallinall,he’llsuityoutoperfection.
MARIANEDearGod!
DORINEOh,howtriumphantyouwillfeel
Athavingcaughtahusbandsoideal!
MARIANEOh,dostopteasing,anduseyourclevernessTogetmeoutofthisappallingmess.Adviseme,andI’lldowhateveryousay.
DORINEAhno,adutifuldaughtermustobeyHerfather,evenifhewedshertoanape.You’veabrightfuture;whystruggletoescape?Yourhusband...
MARIANEOh,youturnmybloodtoice!
Stoptorturingme,andgivemeyouradvice.
DORINE:Yourservant,Madam.
MARIANEDorine,Ibegofyou...
28
DORINE
No,youdeserveit;thismarriagemustgothrough.
MARIANEDorine!
DORINE
No.
MARIANENotTartuffe!YouknowIthinkhim..
DORINE
Tartuffe’syourcupoftea,andyoushalldrinkhim.
MARIANEI’vealwaystoldyoueverything,andrelied...
DORINENo.Youdeservetobetartuffified.
MARIANEWell,sinceyoumockmeandrefusetocare,I’llhenceforthseekmysolaceindespair:Despairshallbemycounsellorandfriend,Andhelpmebringmysorrowstoanend.
(Shestartstoleave.)
DORINETherenow,comeback;myangerhassubsided.Youdodeservesomepity,I’vedecided.
MARIANEDorine,ifFathermakesmeundergoThisdreadfulmartyrdom,I’lldie,Iknow.
DORINEDon’tfret;itwon’tbedifficulttodiscoverSomeplanofaction...Buthere’sValére,yourlover.
29
SCENE4DORINE,MARIANE,VALERE
VALERE
Madam,I’vejustreceivedsomewondrousnewsRegardingwhichI’dliketohearyourviews.
MARIANEWhatnews?
VALEREYou’remarryingTartuffe.
MARIANEIfind
ThatFatherdoeshavesuchamatchinmind.
VALEREYourfather,Madam...
MARIANE...hasjustthisminutesaid
Thatit’sTartuffehewishesmetowed.
VALERECanhebeserious?
MARIANEOh,indeedhecan;
He’sclearlysethisheartupontheplan.
VALEREAndwhatpositiondoyouproposetotake,Madam?
MARIANEWhy-Idon’tknow.
VALERE
Forheaven’ssake-Youdon’tknow?
30
MARIANENo.
VALERE
Well,well!
MARIANEAdviseme,do.VALERE
Marrytheman.That’smyadvicetoyou.
MARIANEThat’syouradvice?
VALEREYes.
MARIANETruly?
VALEREOh,absolutely.
Youcouldn’tchoosemorewisely,moreastutely.
MARIANEThanksforthiscounsel;I’llfollowit,ofcourse.
VALEREDo,do;I’msure’twillcostyounoremorse.
MARIANETogiveitdidn’tcauseyourhearttobreak.
VALEREIgaveit,Madam,onlyforyoursake.
MARIANEAndit’sforyoursakethatItakeit,Sir.
DORINELet’sseewhichfoolwillprovethestubborner.
31
VALERESo!Iamnothingtoyou,anditwasflatDeceptionwhenyou...
MARIANEPlease,enoughofthat.
You’vetoldmeplainlythatIshouldagreeTowedthemanmyfather’schosenforme,Andsinceyou’vedeignedtocounselmesowisely,Ipromise,Sir,todoasyouadviseme.
VALEREAh,no,’twasnotbymethatyouwereswayed.No,yourdecisionwasalreadymade;Thoughnow,tosaveappearances,youprotestThatyou’rebetrayingmeatmybehest.
MARIANEJustasyousay.
VALEREQuiteso.AndInowsee
Thatyouwerenevertrulyinlovewithme.
MARIANEAlas,you’refreetothinksoifyouchoose.
VALEREIchoosetothinkso,andhere’sabitofnews:You’vespurnedmyhand,butIknowwheretoturnForkindertreatment,asyoushallquicklylearn.
MARIANEI’msureyoudo.YournoblequalitiesInspireaffection...
VALEREForgetmyqualities,please.
Theydon’tinspireyouovermuch,Ifind.Butthere’sanotherladyIhaveinmindWhosesweetandgenerousnaturewillnotscornTocompensatemeforthelossI’veborne.
32
MARIANEI’mnogreatloss,andI’msurethatyou’lltransferYourheartquitepainlesslyfrommetoher.
VALEREI’lldomybesttotakeitinmystride.ThepainIfeelatbeingcastasideTimeandforgetfulnessmayputanendto.OrifIcan’tforget,Ishallpretendto.Noself-respectingpersonisexpectedTogoonlovingoncehe’sbeenrejected.
MARIANENow,that’safine,high-mindedsentiment.
VALEREOnetowhichanysanemanwouldassent.WouldyoupreferitifIpinedawayInhopelesspassiontillmydyingday?
MARIANEGothen:consoleyourself;don’thesitate.Iwishyouto;indeed,Icannotwait.
VALEREYouwishmeto?
MARIANEYes.
VALEREThat’sthefinalstraw.
Madam,farewell.Yourwishshallbemylaw.(Hestartstoleave,andthenreturnsrepeatedly:)
MARIANESplendid.
VALERE(Comingbackagain:)Thisbreach,remember,isofyourmaking;
It’syouwho’vedrivenmetothestepI’mtaking.
MARIANEOfcourse.
33
VALERE(Comingbackagain:)Remember,too,thatIammerely
Followingyourexample.
MARIANEIseethatclearly.
VALEREEnough.I’llgoanddoyourbidding,then.
MARIANEGood.
VALERE(Comingbackagain:)Youshallneverseemyfaceagain.
MARIANEExcellent.
VALERE(Walkingtothedoor,thenturningabout)Yes?
MARIANE
What?
VALEREWhat’sthat?Whatdidyousay?
MARIANENothing.You’redreaming.
VALEREAh.Well,I’monmyway.
Farewell,Madame.(Hemovesslowlyaway.)
MARIANEFarewell.
DORINE
Ifyouaskme,Bothofyouareasmadasmadcanbe.Dostopthisnonsense,now,I’veonlyletyouSquabblesolongtoseewhereitwouldgetyou.
34
Whoathere,dearestValére!(ShegoesandseizesValérebythearm;hemakesagreatshowofresistance.)
VALEREWhat'sthis,Dorine?
DORINEComehere.
VALERE
No,no,myheart’stoofullofspleen.Don’tholdmeback;herwishmustbeobeyed.
DORINEStop!
VALEREIt’stoolatenow;mydecision’smade.
DORINE
Oh,pooh!
MARIANE(Aside:)Hehatesthesightofme,that’splain.
I’llgo,andsodeliverhimfrompain.
DORINE(LeavingValére,runningafterMariana)Andnowyourunaway!Comeback.
MARIANENo,no.
Nothingyousaywillkeepmehere.Letgo!
VALERE(Aside:)Shecannotbearmypresence,Iperceive.Tospareherfurthertorment,Ishallleave.
DORINE
(LeavingMariane,runningafterValére:)Again!You’llnotescape,Sir;don’tyoutryit.Comehere,youtwo.Stopfussing,andbequiet.(ShetakesValérebytheband,thenMariane,anddrawsthemtogether.)
35
VALERE(toDorine:)Whatdoyouwantofme?
MARIANE(toDorine:)Whatisthepointofthis?
DORINEWe’regoingtohavealittlearmistice.(toValére:)Now,weren’tyousillytogetsooverheated?
VALEREDidn’tyouseehowbadlyIwastreated?
DORINE(ToMariane)Aren’tyouasimpleton,tohavelostyourhead?
MARIANEDidn’tyouhearthehatefulthingshesaid?
DORINE(ToValére:)You’rebothgreatfools.Hersoledesire,Valére,Istobeyoursinmarriage.TothatI’llswear.(ToMariane:)Helovesyouonly,andhewantsnowifeButyou,Mariane.OnthatI’llstakemylife.
MARIANE(ToValére:)Thenwhyyouadvisedmeso,Icannotsee.
VALERE(toMariane)Onsuchaquestion,whyaskadviceofme?
DORINEOh,you’reimpossible.Givemeyourhands,youtwo.(ToValére:)Yoursfirst.
VALERE(GivingDorinehishand:)Butwhy?
DORINE(ToMariane)Andnowahandfromyou.
36
MARIANE(AlsogivingDorineherhand:)
Whatareyoudoing?
DORINEThere:aperfectfit.
Yousuiteachotherbetterthanyou’lladmit.(ValéreandMarianeholdhandsforsometimewithoutlookingateachother.)
VALERE(TurningtowardMariana)Ah,come,don’tbesohaughty.GiveamanAlookofkindness,won’tyou,Mariane?(MarianeturnstowardValéreandsmiles.)
DORINEItellyou,loversarecompletelymad!
VALERE(ToMariane)Nowcome,confessthatyouwereverybadTohurtmyfeelingsasyoudidjustnow.Ihaveajustcomplaint,youmustallow.
MARIANEYoumustallowthatyouweremostunpleasant...
DORINELet’stablethatdiscussionforthepresent;Yourfatherhasaplanwhichmustbestopped.
MARIANEAdviseus,then;whatmeansmustweadopt?
DORINEWe’lluseallmannerofmeans,andallatonce.(ToMariane)Yourfather’saddled;he’sactinglikeadunce.Thereforeyou’dbetterhumortheoldfossil.Pretendtoyieldtohim,besweetanddocile,Andthenpostpone,asoftenasnecessary,Thedayonwhichyouhaveagreedtomarry.You’llthusgaintime,andtimewillturnthetrick.Sometimes,forinstance,you’llbetakensick,Andthatwillseemgoodreasonfordelay;
37
Orsomebadomenwillmakeyouchangetheday-You’lldreamofmuddywater,oryou’llpassAdeadman’shearse,orbreakalooking-glass.Ifallelsefails,nomancanmarryyouUnlessyoutakehisringandsay,“Ido.”Butnow,let’sseparate.IftheyshouldfindUstalkinghere,ourplotmightbedivined.(ToValére:)Gotoyourfriends,andtellthemwhat’soccurred,Andhavethemurgeherfathertokeephisword.Meanwhile,we’llstirherbrotherintoaction,AndgetElmire,aswell,tojoinourfaction.Good-bye.
VALERE(ToMariane)Thougheachofuswilldohisbest,
It’syourtrueheartonwhichmyhopesshallrest.
MARIANE(ToValére:)RegardlessofwhatFathermaydecide,NonebutValéreshallclaimmeashisbride.
VALEREOh,howthosewordscontentme!Comewhatwill..
DORINEOh,lovers,lovers!Theirtonguesareneverstill.Beoff,now.
VALERE(Turningtogo,thenturningback)Onelastword...
DORINENotimetochat:
Youleavebythisdoor;andyouleavebythat.(Dorinepushesthem,towardopposingdoors)
38
ACTIIISCENEONE
SCENEONE
Damis,Dorine
DAMISMaylightningstrikemeevenasIspeak,Mayallmencallmecowardlyandweak.IfanyfearorscrupleholdsmebackFromsettlingthings,atonce,withthatgreatquack!
DORINENow,don’tgivewaytoviolentemotion.Yourfather’smerelytalkedaboutthisnotion,Andwordsanddeedsarefarfrombeingone.Muchthatistalkedaboutisleftundone.
DAMISNo,Imuststopthatscoundrel’smachinations;I’llgoandtellhimoff;I’moutofpatience.
DORINEDocalmdownandbepractical.IhadratherMymistressdealtwithhim-andwithyourfather.ShehassomeinfluencewithTartuffe,I’venoted.Hehangsuponherwords,seemsmostdevoted,Andmay,indeed,besmittenbyhercharm.PrayHeavenit’strue!’Twoulddoourcausenoharm.Shesentforhimjustnow,tosoundhimoutOnthisaffairyou’resoincensedabout;She’llfindoutwherehestands,andtellhim,too,WhatdreadfulstrifeandtroublewillensueIfhelendscountenancetoyourfather’splan.Icouldn’tgetintoseehim,buthismanSaysthathe’salmostfinishedwithhisprayers.Go,now.I’llcatchhimwhenhecomesdownstairs.
ACTIII
39
DAMISIwanttohearthisconference,andIwill.
DORINENo,theymustbealone.
DAMISOh,I’llkeepstill.
DORINENotyou.Iknowyourtemper.You’dstartabrawl,Andshoutandstampyourfootandspoilitall.Goon.
DAMISIwon’t;Ihaveaperfectright...
DORINE
Lord,you’reanuisance!He’scoming;getoutofsight.(Damisconcealshimself.)
SCENETWOTartuffe,Dorine
TARTUFFE
(ObservingDorine,andcallingtohismanoffstage:)Hangupmyhair-shirt,putmyscourgeinplace,Andpray,Laurent,forHeaven’sperpetualgrace.I’mgoingtotheprisonnow,toshareMylastfewcoinswiththepoorwretchesthere.
DORINE(Aside)DearGod,whataffectation!Whatafake!
TARTUFFEYouwishedtoseeme?
DORINE
Yes...
TARTUFFE(Takingahandkerchieffromhispocket)
Formercy’ssake,
40
Pleasetakethishandkerchief,beforeyouspeak.
DORINE
What?
TARTUFFECoverthatbosom,girl.Thefleshisweak,Anduncleanthoughtsaredifficulttocontrol.Suchsightsasthatcanunderminethesoul.
DORINEYoursoul,itseems,hasverypoordefenses,Andfleshmakesquiteanimpactonyoursenses.It’sstrangethatyou’resoeasilyexcited;Myowndesiresarenotsosoonignited,AndifIsawyounakedasabeast,Notallyourhidewouldtemptmeintheleast.
TARTUFFEGirl,speakmoremodestly;unlessyoudo,Ishallbeforcedtotakemyleaveofyou.
DORINEOh,no,it’sIwhomustbeonmyway;I’vejustonelittlemessagetoconvey.Madameiscomingdown,andbegsyou,Sir,Towaitandhaveawordortwowithher.
TARTUFFEGladly.
DORINE(Aside)Thathadasofteningeffect!
Ithinkmyguessabouthimwascorrect.
TARTUFFEWillshebelong?
DORINENo:that’sherstepIhear.
Ah,heresheis,andIshalldisappear.
41
SCENETHREEELMIRE,TARTUFFE
TARTUFFE
MayHeaven,whoseinfinitegoodnessweadore,Preserveyourbodyandsoulforevermore,Andblessyourdays,andanswerthusthepleaOfonewhoisitshumblestvotary.
ELMIREIthankyouforthatpiouswish.Butplease,Dotakeachairandlet’sbemoreatease.
TARTUFFEItrustthatyouareoncemorewellandstrong?
ELMIREOh,yes:thefeverdidn’tlastforlong.
TARTUFFEMyprayersaretoounworthy,Iamsure,TohavegainedfromHeaventhismostgraciouscure;Butlately,Madam,myeverysupplicationHashadforobjectyourrecuperation.
ELMIREYoushouldn’thavetroubledso.Idon’tdeserveit.
TARTUFFEYourhealthispriceless,Madam,andtopreserveitI’dgladlygivemyown,inallsincerity.
ELMIRESir,yououtdousallinChristiancharity.You’vebeenmostkind.Icountmyselfyourdebtor.
TARTUFFE
’Twasnothing,Madam.Ilongtoserveyoubetter.
42
ELMIREThere’saprivatematterI’manxioustodiscuss.I’mgladthere’snooneheretohinderus.
TARTUFFEItooamglad;itfloodsmyheartwithblissTofindmyselfalonewithyoulikethis.ForjustthischanceI’veprayedwithallmypower-Butprayedinvain,untilthishappyhour.
ELMIREThiswon’ttakelong,Sir,andIhopeyou’llbeEntirelyfrankandunconstrainedwithme.
TARTUFFEIndeed,there’snothingIhadratherdoThanbaremyinmostheartandsoultoyou.First,letmesaythatwhatremarksI’vemadeAbouttheconstantvisitsyouarepaidWerepromptednotbyanymeanemotion,Butratherbyapureanddeepdevotion,Aferventzeal...
ELMIRENoneedforexplanation.
Yoursoleconcern,I’msure,wasmysalvation.
TARTUFFE(TakingElmire’shandandpressingherfingertips)
Quiteso;andsuchgreatfervordoIfeel...
ELMIREOoh!Please!You’repinching!
TARTUFFE’Twasfromexcessofzeal.
Inevermeanttocauseyoupain,Iswear.I’drather...
(HeplaceshisbandonElmire’sknee.)
ELMIREWhatcanyourhandbedoingthere?
43
TARTUFFEFeelingyourgown;Whatsoft,fine-wovenstuff!
ELMIREPlease,I’mextremelyticklish.That’senough.
(Shedrawsherchairaway;Tartuffepullshisafterher.)
TARTUFFEMy,my,whatlovelylaceworkonyourdress!Theworkmanship’smiraculous,noless.I’venotseenanythingtoequalit.
ELMIREYes,quite.Butlet’stalkbusinessforabit.TheysaymyhusbandmeanstobreakhiswordAndgivehisdaughtertoyou,Sir.Hadyouheard?
TARTUFFEHedidoncementionit.ButIconfessIdreamofquiteadifferenthappiness.It’selsewhere,Madam,thatmyeyesdiscernThepromiseofthatblissforwhichIyearn.
ELMIREIsee:youcarefornothingherebelow.
TARTUFFEAh,well-myheart’snotmadeofstone,youknow.
ELMIREAllyourdesiresmountheavenward,I’msure,Inscornofallthat’searthlyandimpure.
TARTUFFEAloveofheavenlybeautydoesnotprecludeAproperloveforearthlypulchritude;OursensesarequiterightlycaptivatedByperfectworksourMakerhascreated.SomegloryclingstoallthatHeavenhasmade;Inyou,allHeaven’smarvelsaredisplayed.Onthatfairface,suchbeautieshavebeenlavished,Theeyesaredazzledandtheheartisravished;HowcouldIlookonyou,Oflawlesscreature,
44
AndnotadoretheAuthorofallNature,FeelingalovebothpassionateandpureForyou,histriumphofself-portraiture?Itis,Iknow,presumptuousonmypartTobringyouthispoorofferingofmyheart,Anditisnotmymerit,Heavenknows,Butyourcompassiononwhichmyhopesrepose.Youaremypeace,mysolace,mysalvation;Onyoudependsmybliss-ordesolation;Ibideyourjudgmentand,asyouthinkbest,Ishallbeeithermiserableorblest.
ELMIREYourdeclarationismostgallant,Sir,Butdon’tyouthinkit’soutofcharacter?You’dhavedonebettertorestrainyourpassionAndthinkbeforeyouspokeinsuchafashion.Itillbecomesapiousmanlikeyou...
TARTUFFEImaybepious,butI’mhumantoo:Withyourcelestialcharmsbeforehiseyes,Amanhasnotthepowertobewise.Iknowsuchwordssoundstrangely,comingfromme,ButI’mnoangel,norwasmeanttobe,Andifyoublamemypassion,youmustneedsReproachaswellthecharmsonwhichitfeeds.YourlovelinessIhadnosoonerseenThanyoubecamemysoul’sunrivalledqueen;If,incompassionformysoul’sdistress,You’llstooptocomfortmyunworthiness,I’llraisetoyou,inthanksforthatsweetmanna,Anendlesshymn,aninfinitehosanna.Withme,ofcourse,thereneedbenoanxiety,Nofearofscandalorofnotoriety.Theseyoungcourtgallants,whomalltheladiesfancyArevaininspeech,inactionrashandchancy;Whentheysucceedinlove,theworldsoonknowsit;Nofavor’sgrantedthembuttheydiscloseitAndbytheloosenessoftheirtonguesprofaneTheveryaltarwheretheirheartshavelain.Menofmysort,however,lovediscreetly,Andonemaytrustourreticencecompletely.Mykeenconcernformygoodnameinsures
45
Theabsolutesecurityofyours;Inshort,Iofferyou,mydearElmire,Lovewithoutscandal,pleasurewithoutfear.
ELMIREI’veheardyourwell-turnedspeechestotheend,AndwhatyouurgeIclearlyapprehend.Aren’tyouafraidthatImaytakeanotionTotellmyhusbandofyourwarmdevotion,Andthat,supposingheweredulytold,Hisfeelingstowardyoumightgrowrathercold?
TARTUFFEIknow,dearlady,thatyourexceedingcharityWillleadyourhearttopardonmytemerity;Thatyou’llexcusemyviolentaffectionAshumanweakness,humanimperfection;Andthat-Ofairest!---youwillbearinmindThatI’mbutfleshandblood,andamnotblind.
ELMIRESomewomenmightdootherwise,perhaps,ButIshallbediscreetaboutyourlapse;I’lltellmyhusbandnothingofwhat’soccurredIf,inreturn,you’llgiveyoursolemnwordToadvocateasforcefullyasyoucanThemarriageofValéreandMariane,RenouncingalldesiretodispossessAnotherofhisrightfulhappiness,And...
SCENEFOURELMIRE,TARTUFFE,DAMIS
DAMIS
(Emergingfromtheclosetwherehehasbeenhiding)No!We’llnothushupthisvileaffair;
Ihearditallinsidethatclosetthere,WhereHeaven,inordertoconfoundtheprideOfthisgreatrascal,promptedmetohide.Ah,nowIhavemylong-awaitedchanceTopunishhisdeceitandarrogance,Andgivemyfatherclearandshockingproof
46
OftheblackcharacterofhisdearTartuffe.
ELMIREAhno,Damis;I’llbecontentifheWillstudytodeservemyleniency.I’vepromisedsilence-don’tmakemebreakmyword;Tomakeascandalwouldbetooabsurd.Goodwiveslaughoffsuchtrifles,andforgetthem;Whyshouldtheytelltheirhusbands,andupsetthem?
DAMISYouhaveyourreasonsfortakingsuchacourse,AndIhavereasons,too,ofequalforce.Tosparehimnowwouldbeinsanelywrong.I’veswallowedmyjustwrathforfartoolongAndwatchedthisinsolentbigotbringingstrifeAndbitternessintoourfamilylife.Toolonghe’smeddledinmyfather’saffairs,Thwartingmymarriage-hopes,andpoorValére’s.It’shightimethatmyfatherwasundeceived,AndnowI’veproofthatcan’tbedisbelieved-ProofthatwasfurnishedmebyHeavenabove.It’stoogoodnottotakeadvantageof.Thisismychance,andIdeservetoloseitIf,foronemoment,Ihesitatetouseit.
ELMIREDamis…
DAMISNo,ImustdowhatIthinkright.
Madam,myheartisburstingwithdelight,And,saywhateveryouwill,I’llnotconsentTolosethesweetrevengeonwhichI’mbent.I’llsettlematterswithoutmoreado;Andhere,mostopportunely,ismycue.
SCENEFIVEORGON,DAMIS,TARTUFFE,ELMIRE
DAMIS
Father,I’mgladyou’vejoinedus.LetusadviseyouOfsomefreshnewswhichdoubtlesswillsurpriseyou.
47
You’vejustnowbeenrepaidwithinterestForallyourloving-kindnesstoourguest.He’sprovedhiswarmandgratefulfeelingstowardyou;It’swithapairofhornshewouldrewardyou.Yes,Isurprisedhimwithyourwife,andheardHiswholeadulterousoffer,everyword.She,withheralltoogentledisposition,Wouldnothavetoldyouofhisproposition;ButIshallnotmaketermswithbrazenlechery,Andfeelthatnottotellyouwouldbetreachery.
ELMIREAndIholdthatone’shusband’speaceofmindShouldnotbespoiltbytattleofthiskind.Thesearemysentiments,andIwish,Damis,Thatyouhadheededmeandheldyourpeace.
SCENESIXORGON,DAMIS,TARTUFFE
ORGON
Canitbetrue,thisdreadfulthingIhear?
TARTUFFEYes,Brother,I’mawickedman,Ifear:Awretchedsinner,alldepravedandtwisted,Thegreatestvillainthathaseverexisted.Mylife’soneheapofcrimes,whichgrowseachminute;There’snaughtbutfoulnessandcorruptioninit;AndIperceivethatHeaven,outragedbyme,Haschosenthisoccasiontomortifyme.Chargemewithanydeedyouwishtoname;I’llnotdefendmyself,buttaketheblame.Believewhatyouaretold,anddriveTartuffeLikesomebasecriminalfrombeneathyourroof;Yes,drivemehence,andwithapartingcurse:Ishan’tprotest,forIdeservefarworse.
ORGON(toDamis)
Ah,youdeceitfulboy,howdareyoutryTostainhispuritywithsofoulalie?
48
DAMISWhat!Areyoutakeninbysuchabluff?Didyounothear...?
ORGONEnough,yourogue,enough!
TARTUFFEAh,Brother,lethimspeak:you’rebeingunjust.Believehisstory;theboydeservesyourtrust.Why,afterall,shouldyouhavefaithinme?HowcanyouknowwhatImightdo,orbe?IsitonmygoodactionsthatyoubaseYourfavor?Doyoutrustmypiousface?Ah,no,don’tbedeceivedbyhollowshows;I’mfar,alas,frombeingwhatmensuppose;Thoughtheworldtakesmeforamanofworth,I’mtrulythemostworthlessmanonearth.(ToDamis:)Yes,mydearson,speakoutnow:callmethechiefOfsinners,awretch,amurderer,athief;Loadmewithallthenamesmenmostabhor;I’llnotcomplain;I’veearnedthemall,andmore;I’llkneelherewhileyoupourthemonmyheadAsajustpunishmentforthelifeI’veled.
ORGONThisistoomuch,dearBrother.(ToDamis)Haveyounoheart?
DAMISAreyousohoodwinkedbythisrascal’sart...?
ORGONBestill,youmonster.(ToTartuffe:) Brother,Iprayyou,rise.(toDamis)Villain!
DAMISBut...
ORGON
Silence!
49
DAMISCan’tyourealize...?ORGON
Justonewordmore,andI’lltearyoulimbfromlimb.
TARTUFFEInGod’sname,Brother,don’tbeharshwithhim.I’dratherfarbetorturedatthestakeThanseehimbearonescratchformypoorsake.
ORGONIngrate!
TARTUFFEIfImustbegyou,onbendedknee,
Topardonhim...
ORGON(Failingtohisknees,addressingTartuffe:)
Suchgoodnesscannotbe!(ToDamis)
Now,there’struecharity!
DAMISWhat,you...?
ORGONVillain,bestill!
Iknowyourmotives;Iknowyouwishhimill:Yes,allofyou-wife,children,servants,all--Conspireagainsthimanddesirehisfall,EmployingeveryshamefultrickyoucanToalienatemefromthissaintlyman.Ah,butthemoreyouseektodrivehimaway,ThemoreI’lldotokeephim.Withoutdelay,I’llspitethishouseholdandconfounditsprideBygivinghimmydaughterashisbride.
DAMISYou’regoingtoforcehertoaccepthishand?
50
ORGONYes,andthisverynight,d’youunderstand?Ishalldefyyouall,andmakeitclearThatI’mtheonewhogivestheordershere.Come,wretch,kneeldownandclasphisblessedfeet,Andaskhispardonforyourblackdeceit.
DAMISIaskthatswindler’spardon?Why,I’drather...
ORGONSo!Youinsulthim,anddefyyourfather!Astick!Astick!(toTartuffe)No,no-releaseme,do.(ToDamis:)Outofmyhousethisminute!Beoffwithyou,Andneverdatesetfootinitagain.
DAMISWell,Ishallgo,but...
ORGONWell,goquickly,then.
Idisinherityou;anemptypurseIsallyou’llgetfromme-exceptmycurse!
SCENESEVENORGON,TARTUFFE
ORGON
Howheblasphemedyourgoodname!Whatason!
TARTUFFEForgivehim,Lord,asI’vealreadydone.Youcan’tknowhowithurtswhensomeonetriesToblackenmeinmydearBrother’seyes.
ORGONAhh!
TARTUFFEThemerethoughtofsuchingratitude
Plungesmysoulintosodarkamood...Suchhorrorgripsmyheart...Igaspforbreath,
51
Andcannotspeak,andfeelmyselfneardeath.
ORGON(Heruns,intears,tothedoorthroughwhichbe
hasjustdrivenhisson.)Youblackguard!WhydidIspareyou?WhydidInotBreakyouinlittlepiecesonthespot?Composeyourself,anddon’tbehurt,dearfriend.
TARTUFFEThesescenes,thesedreadfulquarrels,havegottoend.I'vemuchupsetyourhousehold,andIperceiveThatthebestthingwillbeformetoleave.
ORGONWhatareyousaying!
TARTUFFEThey’reallagainstmehere;
They’dhaveyouthinkmefalseandinsincere.
ORGONAh,whatofthat?HaveIceasedbelievinginyou?
TARTUFFETheiradversetalkwillcertainlycontinue,AndchargeswhichyounowrepudiateYoumayfindcredibleatalaterdate.
ORGONNo,Brother,never.
TARTUFFEBrother,awifecansway
Herhusband’smindinmanyasubtleway.
ORGONNo,no.
TARTUFFEToleaveatonceisthesolution;
ThusonlycanIendtheirpersecution.
52
ORGONNo,no,I’llnotallowit;youshallremain.
TARTUFFEAh,well;’twillmeanmuchmartyrdomandpain,Butifyouwishit...
ORGONAh!
TARTUFFEEnough;sobeit.
Butonethingmustbesettled,asIseeit.Foryourdearhonor,andforourfriendship’ssake,There’soneprecautionIfeelboundtotake.Ishallavoidyourwife,andkeepaway...
ORGONNo,youshallnot,whatevertheymaysay.Itpleasesmetovexthem,andforspiteI’dhavethemseeyouwithherdayandnight.What’smore,I’mgoingtodrivethemtodespairBymakingyoumyonlysonandheir;Thisveryday,I’llgivetoyoualoneCleardeedandtitletoeverythingIown.Adear,goodfriendandson-in-law-to-beIsmorethanwife,orchild,orkintome.Willyouacceptmyoffer,dearestson?
TARTUFFEInallthings,letthewillofHeavenbedone.
ORGONPoorfellow!Come,we’llgodrawupthedeed.Thenletthemburstwithdisappointedgreed!
53
SCENEONECLEANTE,TARTUFFE
CLEANTE
Yes,allthetown’sdiscussingit,andtruly,Theircommentsdonotflatteryouunduly.I’mgladwe’vemet,Sir,andI’llgivemyviewOfthissadmatterinawordortwo.Asforwho’sguilty,thatIshan’tdiscuss;Let’ssayitwasDamiswhocausedthefuss;Assuming,then,thatyouhavebeenill-usedByyoungDamis,andgroundlesslyaccused,OughtnotaChristiantoforgive,andoughtHenottostifleeveryvengefulthought?
TARTUFFEAlas,formypartIshouldtakegreatjoyIndoingso.I’venothingagainsttheboy.Ipardonall,Iharbornoresentment;Toservehimwouldaffordmemuchcontentment.ButHeaven’sinterestwillnothaveitso:Ifhecomesback,thenIshallhavetogo.Afterhisconduct-soextreme,sovicious-Ourfurtherintercoursewouldlooksuspicious.Godknowswhatpeoplewouldthink!Why,they’ddescribeMygoodnesstohimasasortofbribe;…
CLEANTEYourreasoningisbadlywarpedandstretched,Andtheseexcuses,Sir,aremostfar-fetched.WhyputyourselfinchargeofHeaven’scause?DoesHeavenneedourhelptoenforceitslaws?LeavevengeancetotheLord,Sir;whilewelive,Ourduty’snottopunish,butforgive;
TARTUFFEAgain,Sir,letmesaythatI’veforgivenDamis,andthusobeyedthelawsofHeaven;
ACTIV
54
ButIamnotcommandedbytheBibleTolivewithonewhosmearsmynamewithlibel.
CLEANTEWereyoucommanded,Sir,toindulgethewhimOfpoorOrgon,andtoencouragehimInsuddenlytransferringtoyournameAlargeestatetowhichyouhavenoclaim?
TARTUFFE’TwouldneveroccurtothosewhoknowmebestTothinkIactedfromself-interest.ThetreasuresofthisworldIquitedespise;Theirspeciousglitterdoesnotcharmmyeyes;AndifIhaveresignedmyselftotakingThegiftwhichmydearBrotherinsistsonmaking,Idosoonly,ashewellunderstands,Lestsomuchwealthfallintowickedhands,LestthosetowhomitmightdescendintimeTurnittopurposesofsinandcrime,Andnot,asIshalldo,makeuseofitForHeaven’sgloryandmankind’sbenefit.
CLEANTEForgetthesetrumped-upfears.YourargumentIsonetherightfulheirmightwellresent;ItisamoralburdentoinheritSuchwealth,butgiveDamisachancetobearit.WoulditnotbethedecentthingtobeatAgenerousandhonorableretreat,Ratherthanletthesonofthehousebesent,Foryourconvenience,into,banishment?Sir,ifyouwishtoprovethehonestyOfyourintentions...
TARTUFFESir,itishalf-pastthree.
I’vecertainpiousdutiestoattendto,Andhopemypromptdeparturewon’toffendyou.(exits)
CLEANTEDamn.
55
SCENETWOELMIRE,MARIANE,CLEANTE,DORINE
DORINE
Stay,Sir,andhelpMariane,forHeaven’ssake!She’ssufferingso,Ifearherheartwillbreak.Herfather’splantomarryherofftonightHasputthepoorchildinadesperateplight.Ihearhimcoming.Let’sstandtogether,now,Andseeifwecan’tchangehismind,somehow,Aboutthismatchwealldeploreandfear.
SCENETHREEORGON,ELMIRE,MARIANE,CLEANTE,DORINE
ORGON
Hah!Gladtofindyouallassembledhere.(ToMariana)Thiscontract,child,containsyourhappiness,AndwhatitsaysIthinkyourheartcanguess.
MARIANE(Fallingtoherknees)
Sir,bythatHeavenwhichseesmeheredistressed,Andbywhateverelsecanmoveyourbreast,Donotemployafather’spower,Iprayyou,Tocrushmyheartandforceittoobeyyou,NorbyyourharshcommandsoppressmesoThatI’llbegrudgethedutywhichIowe-AnddonotsoembitterandenslavemeThatIshallhatetheverylifeyougaveme.Ifmysweethopesmustperish,ifyourefuseTogivemetotheoneI’vedaredtochoose,Sparemeatleast-Ibegyou,Iimplore-ThepainofweddingonewhomIabhor;Anddonot,byaheartlessuseofforce,Drivemetocontemplatesomedesperatecourse.
ORGONBefirm,mysoul.Nohumanweakness,now.
56
MARIANEIdon’tresentyourloveforhim.AllowYourheartfreerein,Sir;givehimyourproperty,Andifthat’snotenough,takeminefromme;He’swelcometomymoney;takeit,do,Butdon’t,Ipray,includemypersontoo.Spareme,Ibegyou;andletmeendthetaleOfmysaddaysbehindaconventveil.
ORGONAconvent!Hah!Whencrossedintheiramours,Alllovesickgirlshavethesamethoughtasyours.Getup!Themoreyouloathetheman,anddreadhim,Themoreennoblingitwillbetowedhim.MarryTartuffe,andmortifyyourflesh!Enough;don’tstartthatwhimperingafresh.
DORINEButwhy...?
ORGONBestill,there.Speakwhenyou’respokento.
Notonemorebitofimpudenceoutofyou.
CLEANTEIfImayofferawordofcounselhere...
ORGONBrother,incounselingyouhavenopeer;Allyouradviceisforceful,sound,andclever;Idon’tproposetofollowit,however.
ELMIREIamamazed,anddon’tknowwhattosay;Yourblindnesssimplytakesmybreathaway.Youareindeedbewitched,totakenowarningFromouraccountofwhatoccurredthismorning.
ORGONMadam,Iknowafewplainfacts,andoneIsthatyou’repartialtomyrascalson;Hence,whenhesoughttomakeTartuffethevictimOfabaselie,youdarednotcontradicthim.
57
Ah,butyouunderplayedyourpart,mypet;Youshouldhavelookedmoreangry,moreupset.
ELMIREWhenmenmakeovertures,mustwereplyWithrighteousangerandabattle-cry?MustweturnbacktheiramorousadvancesWithsharpreproachesandwithfieryglances?Myself,Ifindsuchoffensesmerelyamusing,Andmakenoscenesandfussesinrefusing.I’vefoundthatapoliteandcoolrebuffDiscouragesaloverquiteenough.
ORGONIknowthefacts,andIshallnotbeshaken.
ELMIREImarvelatyourpowertobemistaken.Wouldit,Iwonder,carryweightwithyouIfIcouldshowyouthatourtalewastrue?
ORGONShowme?
ELMIREYes.
ORGON
Rot.
ELMIRECome,whatifIfoundaway
Tomakeyouseethefactsasplainasday?
ORGONNonsense.
ELMIREDoanswerme;don’tbeabsurd.
I’mnotnowaskingyoutotrustourword.Supposethatfromsomehiding-placeinhereYoulearnedthewholesadtruthbyeyeandear-Whatwouldyousayofyourgoodfriend,afterthat?
58
ORGONWhy,I’dsay...nothing,byJehoshaphat!Itcan’tbetrue.
ELMIREYou’vebeentoolongdeceived,
AndI’mquitetiredofbeingdisbelieved.Comenow:let’sputmystatementstothetest,Andyoushallseethetruthmademanifest.
ORGONI’lltakethatchallenge.Nowdoyouruttermost.We’llseehowyoumakegoodyouremptyboast.
ELMIRE(ToDorine:)
Sendhimtome.
DORINEHe’scrafty;itmaybehard
Tocatchthecunningscoundreloffhisguard.
ELMIRENo,amorousmenaregullible.TheirconceitSoblindsthemthatthey’reneverhardtocheat.Havehimcomedown.(ToCleante&Mariana)Pleaseleaveus,forabit.
SCENEFOURELMIRE,ORGON
ELMIRE
Pullupthistable,andgetunderit.
ORGONWhat?
ELMIREIt’sessentialthatyoubewell-hidden.
ORGON
Whythere?
59
ELMIRE
Oh,Heavens!Justdoasyouarebidden.Ihavemyplans;we’llsoonseehowtheyfare.Underthetable,now;andonceyou’rethere,Takecarethatyouareneitherseennorheard.
ORGONWell,I’llindulgeyou,sinceIgavemywordToseeyouthroughthisinfantilecharade.
ELMIREOnceitisover,you’llbegladweplayed.(Orgonisunderthetable)I’mgoingtoactquitestrangely,now,andyouMustnotbeshockedatanythingIdo.WhateverImaysay,youmustexcuseAspartofthatdeceitI’mforcedtouse.Ishallemploysweetspeechesinthetask0fmakingthatimposterdrophismask;I’llgiveencouragementtohisbolddesires,Andfurnishfueltohisamorousfires.Sinceit’sforyoursake,andforhisdestruction,ThatIshallseemtoyieldtohisseduction,I’llgladlystopwheneveryoudecideThatallyourdoubtsarefullysatisfied.I’llcountonyou,assoonasyouhaveseenWhatsortofmanheis,tointervene,AndnotexposemetohisodiouslustOnemomentlongerthanyoufeelyoumust.Remember:you’retosavemefrommyplightWhenever...He’scoming!Hush!Keepoutofsight!
SCENEFIVETARTUFFE,ELMIRE,ORGON
TARTUFFE
Youwishtohaveawordwithme,I’mtold.
ELMIREYes.I’vealittlesecrettounfold.BeforeIspeak,however,itwouldbewiseToclosethatdoor,andlookaboutforspies.
60
(Tartuffedismisseshismen)TheverylastthingthatmusthappennowIsarepetitionofthismorning’srow.I’veneverbeensobadlycaughtoffguard.Oh,howIfearedforyou!YousawhowhardItriedtomakethattroublesomeDamisControlhisdreadfultemper,andholdhispeace.Inmyconfusion,Ididn’thavethesenseSimplytocontradicthisevidence;Butasithappened,thatwasforthebest,Andallhasworkedoutinourinterest.Thisstormhasonlybetteredyourposition;Myhusbanddoesn’thavetheleastsuspicion,Andnow,inmockeryofthosewhodo,Hebidsmebecontinuallywithyou.Andthatiswhy,quitefearlessofreproof,InowcanbealonewithmyTartuffe,Andwhymyheart-perhapstooquicktoyield-Feelsfreetoletitspassionberevealed.
TARTUFFEMadam,yourwordsconfuseme.Notlongago,Youspokeinquiteadifferentstyle,youknow.
ELMIREAh,Sir,ifthatrefusalmadeyousmart,It’slittlethatyouknowofwoman’sheart,OrwhatthatheartistryingtoconveyWhenitresistsinsuchafeebleway!Always,atfirst,outmodestypreventsThefrankavowaloftendersentiments;Howeverhighthepassionwhichinflamesus.Still,toconfessitspowersomehowshamesus.Thuswereluct,atfirst,yetinatoneWhichtellsyouthatourheartisoverthrown,Thatwhatourlipsdeny,ourpulseconfesses,Andthat,intime,allnoeswillturntoyesses.Ifearmywordsarealltoofrankandfree,Andapoorproofofwoman’smodesty;ButsinceI’mstarted,tellme,ifyouwill-WouldIhavetriedtomakeDamisbestill,WouldIhavelistened,calmandunoffended,Untilyourlengthyofferoflovewasended,Andbeensoverymildinmyreaction,
61
Hadyoursweetwordsnotgivenmesatisfaction?AndwhenItriedtoforceyoutoundoThemarriage-plansmyhusbandhasinview,WhatdidmyurgentpleadingsignifyIfnotthatIadmiredyou,andthatIDeploredthethoughtthatsomeoneelsemightownPartofaheartIwishedforminealone?
TARTUFFE
Madam,nohappinessissocompleteAswhen,fromlipswelove,comewordssosweet;Theirnectarfloodsmyeverysense,anddrainsInhoneyedrivuletsthroughallmyveins.Topleaseyouismyjoy,myonlygoal;Yourloveistherestorerofmysoul;AndyetImustbegleave,now,toconfessSomelingeringdoubtsastomyhappiness.Mightthisnotbeatrick?MightnotthecatchBethatyouwishmetobreakoffthematchWithMariane,andsohavefeignedtoloveme?Ishan’tquitetrustyourfondopinionofmeUntilthefeelingsyou’veexpressedsosweetlyAredemonstratedsomewhatmoreconcretely,Andyouhaveshown,bycertainkindconcessions,ThatImayputmyfaithinyourprofessions.
ELMIRE(Shecoughs,towarnherhusband.)
Whybeinsuchahurry?MustmyheartExhaustitsbountyattheverystart?Tomakethatsweetadmissioncostmedear,Butyou’llnotbecontent,itwouldappear,UnlessmystoreoffavorsisdisbursedTothelastfarthing,andattheveryfirst.
TARTUFFEThelesswemerit,thelesswedaretohope,Andwithourdoubts,merewordscannevercope.Wetrustnopromisedblisstillwereceiveit;Nottillajoyisourscanwebelieveit.I,whosolittlemerityouresteem,Can’tcreditthisfulfillmentofmydream,Andshan’tbelieveit,Madam,untilIsavorSomepalpableassuranceofyourfavor.
62
ELMIRE
My,howtyrannicalyourlovecanbe,Andhowitflustersandperplexesme!Howfuriouslyyoutakeone’sheartinhand,Andmakeyoureverywishafiercecommand!Come,mustyouhoundandharrymetodeath?Willyounotgivemetimetocatchmybreath?Canitberighttopressmewithsuchforce,Givemenoquarter,showmenoremorse,Andtakeadvantage,byyoursterninsistence,Ofthefondfeelingswhichweakenmyresistance?
TARTUFFEWell,ifyoulookwithfavoruponmylove,Why,then,begrudgemesomeclearproofthereof?
ELMIREButhowcanIconsentwithoutoffenseToHeaven,towardwhichyoufeelsuchreverence?
TARTUFFEIfHeavenisallthatholdsyouback,don’tworry.Icanremovethathindranceinahurry.Nothingofthatsortneedobstructourpath.
ELMIREMustonenotbeafraidofHeaven’swrath?
TARTUFFEMadam,forgetsuchfears,andbemypupil,AndIshallteachyouhowtoconquerscruple.Somejoys,it’strue,arewronginHeaven’seyes;YetHeavenisnotaversetocompromise;Thereisascience,latelyformulated,Wherebyone’sconsciencemaybeliberated,AndanywrongfulactyoucaretomentionMayberedeemedbypurityofintention.I’llteachyou,Madam,thesecretsofthatscience;Meanwhile,justplaceonmeyourfullreliance.Assuagemykeendesires,andfeelnodread:Thesin,ifany,shallbeonmyhead.(Elmirecoughs,thistimemoreloudly.)You’veabadcough.
63
ELMIRE
Yes,yes.It’sbadindeed.
TARTUFFE(Producingalittlepaperbag:)Abitoflicoricemaybewhatyouneed.
ELMIRE
No,I’veastubborncold,itseems.I’msureitWilltakemuchmorethanlicoricetocureit.
TARTUFFEHowaggravating.
ELMIREOh,morethanIcansay.
TARTUFFEIfyou’restilltroubled,thinkofthingsthisway:Nooneshallknowourjoys,saveusalone,Andthere’snoeviltilltheactisknown;It’sscandal,Madam,whichmakesitanoffense,Andit’snosintosininconfidence.
ELMIRE(Havingcoughedoncemore:)
Well,clearlyImustdoasyourequire,Andyieldtoyourimportunatedesire.Itisapparent,now,thatnothinglessWillsatisfyyou,andsoIacquiesce.Togosofarismuchagainstmywill;I’mvexedthatitshouldcometothis;butstill,Sinceyouaresodeterminedonit,sinceyouWillnotallowmerelanguagetoconvinceyou,Andsinceyouaskforconcreteevidence,ISeenothingforit,now,buttocomply.Ifthisissinful,ifI’mwrongtodoit,Somuchtheworseforhimwhodrovemetoit.Thefaultcansurelynotbechargedtome.
TARTUFFEMadam,thefaultismine,iffaulttherebe,And...
64
ELMIRE
Openthedooralittle,andpeekout;Iwouldn’twantmyhusbandpokingabout.
TARTUFFEWhyworryabouttheman?EachdayhegrowsMoregullible;onecanleadhimbythenose.Tofindusherewouldfillhimwithdelight,Andifhesawtheworst,he’ddoubthissight.
ELMIRENevertheless,dostepoutforaminuteIntothehall,andseethatnoone’sinit.
SCENESIX
ORGON,ELMIRE
ORGON(Comingoutfromunderthetable)
Thatman’saperfectmonster,Imustadmit!I’msimplystunned.Ican’tgetoverit.
ELMIREWhat,comingoutsosoon?Howpremature!Getbackinhiding,andwaituntilyou’resure.Staytilltheend,andbeconvincedcompletely;Wemustn’tstoptillthingsareprovedconcretely.
ORGONHellneverharboredanythingsovicious!
ELMIRETut,don’tbehasty.Trytobejudicious.Wait,andbecertainthatthere’snomistake.Nojumpingtoconclusions,forHeaven’ssake!(SheplacesOrgonbehindher,aTartuffere-enters.)
65
SCENESEVENTARTUFFE,ELMIRE,ORGON
TARTUFFE
Madam,allthingshaveworkedouttoperfection;I’vegiventheneighboringroomsafullinspection;Noone’sabout;andnowImayatlast...
ORGON(revealinghimself)
Holdon,mypassionatefellow,notsofast!Ishouldadvisealittlemorerestraint.Well,soyouthoughtyou’dfoolme,mydearsaint!Howsoonyouweariedofthesaintlylife-Weddingmydaughter,andcovetingmywife!I’velongsuspectedyou,andhadafeelingThatsoonI’dcatchyouatyourdouble-dealing.Justnow,you’vegivenmeevidencegalore;It’squiteenough;Ihavenowishformore.
ELMIREI'msorrytohavetreatedyousoslyly,Butcircumstancesforcedmetobewily.
TARTUFFEBrother,youcan’tthink...
ORGONNomoretalkfromyou;
Justleavethishousehold,withoutmoreado.
TARTUFFEWhatIintended...
ORGONThatseemsfairlyclear.
Sparemeyourfalsehoodsandgetoutofhere.
TARTUFFENo,I’mthemaster,andyou’retheonetogo!Thishousebelongstome,I’llhaveyouknow,AndIshallshowyouthatyoucan’thurtmeBythiscontemptibleconspiracy,Thatthosewhocrossmeknownotwhattheydo,
66
AndthatI’vemeanstoexposeandpunishyou,AvengeoffendedHeaven,andmakeyougrieveThateveryoudaredordermetoleave.
SCENEEIGHTELMIRE,ORGON
ELMIRE
Whatwasthepointofallthatangrychatter?
ORGONDearGod,I’mworried.Thisisnolaughingmatter.
ELMIREHowso?
ORGONIfearIunderstoodhisdrift.
I’mmuchdisturbedaboutthatdeedofgift.
ELMIREYougavehim...?
ORGONYes,it’sallbeendrawnandsigned.
Butonethingmoreisweighingonmymind.
ELMIREWhat’sthat?
ORGONI’lltellyou;butfirstlet’sseeifthere’s
Acertainstrong-boxinhisroomupstairs.
67
SCENEONEORGON,CLEANTE
CLEANTE
Whereareyougoingsofast?
ORGONGodknows!
CLEANTEThenwait;
Let’shaveaconference,anddeliberateOnhowthissituation’stobemet.
ORGONThatstrong-boxhasmeutterlyupset;Thisistheworstofmany,manyshocks.
CLEANTEIstheresomefearfulmysteryinthatbox?
ORGONMypoorfriendArgasbroughtthatboxtomeWithhisownhands,inutmostsecrecy;’Twasontheverymorningofhisflight.It’sfullofpaperswhich,iftheycametolight,Wouldruinhim-orsuchismyimpression.
CLEANTE
Thenwhydidyouletitoutofyourpossession?
ORGONThosepapersvexedmyconscience,anditseemedbestToaskthecounselofmypiousguest.ThecunningscoundrelgotmetoagreeToleavethestrong-boxinhiscustody,
ACTV
68
Sothat,incaseofaninvestigation,IcouldemployaslightequivocationAndswearIdidn’thaveit,andthereby,Atnoexpensetoconscience,tellalie.
CLEANTEItlookstomeasifyou’reoutonalimb.Trustinghimwiththatbox,andofferinghimThatdeedofgift,wereactionsofakindWhichscarcelyindicateaprudentmind.Withtwosuchweapons,hehastheupperhand,Andsinceyou’revulnerable,asmattersstand,Youerredoncemoreinbringinghimtobay.Youshouldhaveactedinsomesubtlerway.
ORGONJustthinkofit:behindthatferventface,Aheartsowicked,andasoulsobase!Itookhimin,ahungrybeggar,andthen...Enough,byGod!I’mthroughwithpiousmen:HenceforthI’llhatethewholefalsebrotherhood,AndpersecutethemworsethanSatancould.
CLEANTEAh,thereyougo-extravagantasever!Whycanyounotberational?YouneverManagetotakethemiddlecourse,itseems,Butjump,instead,betweenabsurdextremes.You’verecognizedyourrecentgravemistakeInfallingvictimtoapiousfake;Now,tocorrectthaterror,mustyouembraceAnevengreatererrorinitsplace,AndjudgeourworthyneighborsasawholeBywhatyou’velearnedofonecorruptedsoul?Becautiousinbestowingadmiration,Andcultivateasobermoderation.Don’thumorfraud,butalsodon’tasperseTruepiety;thelatterfaultisworse,Anditisbesttoerr,iferronemust,Asyouhavedone,uponthesideoftrust.
69
SCENETWODAMIS,ORGON,CLEANTE
DAMIS
Father,Ihearthatscoundrel’sutteredthreatsAgainstyou;thathepridefullyforgets…
ORGONIt’strue,myboy.I’mtoodistressedfortears.
DAMISLeaveittome,Sir;letmetrimhisears.Facedwithsuchinsolence,wemustnotwaver.IshallrejoiceindoingyouthefavorOfcuttingshorthislife,andyourdistress.
CLEANTEWhatadisplayofyounghotheadedness!Dolearntomoderateyourfitsofrage.Inthisjustcountry,thisenlightenedage,Onedoesnotsettlethingsbyviolence.
SCENETHREEMME.PERNELLE,MARIANE,ELMIRE,DORINE,DAMIS,ORGON,CLEANTE
MADAMEPERNELLE
Ihearstrangetalesofverystrangeevents.
ORGONYes,strangeeventswhichthesetwoeyesbeheld.Theman’singratitudeisunparalleled.Isaveawretchedpauperfromstarvation,Househim,andtreathimlikeabloodrelation,Showerhimeverydaywithmylargesse,Givehimmydaughter,andallthatIpossess;AndmeanwhiletheunconscionableknaveTriestoinducemywifetomisbehave;Andnotcontentwithsuchextremerascality,Nowthreatensmewithmyownliberality,Andaims,bytakingbaseadvantageofThegiftsIgavehimoutofChristianlove,Todrivemefrommyhouse,aruinedman,Andmakemeendapauper,ashebegan.
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DORINEPoorfellow!
MADAMEPERNELLENo,myson,I’llneverbring
Myselftothinkhimguiltyofsuchathing.
ORGONHow’sthat?
MADAMEPERNELLETherighteousalwaysweremaligned.
ORGONSpeakclearly,Mother.Saywhat’sonyourmind.
MADAMEPERNELLEImeanthatIcansmellarat,mydear.Youknowhoweverybodyhateshimhere.
ORGONThathasnobearingonthecaseatall.
MADAMEPERNELLEItoldyouahundredtimes,whenyouweresmall,Thatvirtueinthisworldishatedever;Maliciousmenmaydie,butmalicenever.
ORGONNodoubtthat’strue,buthowdoesitapply?
MADAMEPERNELLEThey’veturnedyouagainsthimbyacleverlie.
ORGONI’vetoldyou,Iwasthereandsawitdone.
MADAMEPERNELLEAh,slandererswillstopatnothing,Son.
ORGONMother,I’lllosemytemper...Forthelasttime,ItellyouIwaswitnesstothecrime.
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MADAMEPERNELLEThetonguesofspitearebusynightandnoon,Andtotheirvenomnomanisimmune.
ORGONYou’retalkingnonsense.Can’tyourealizeIsawit;sawit;sawitwithmyeyes?Saw,doyouunderstandme?MustIshoutitIntoyourearsbeforeyou’llceasetodoubtit?
MADAMEPERNELLEAppearancescandeceive,myson.Dearme,Wecannotalwaysjudgebywhatwesee.
ORGONDrat!Drat!
MADAMEPERNELLEOneofteninterpretsthingsawry;
Goodcanseemeviltoasuspiciouseye.
ORGONWasItoseehispawingatElmireAsanactofcharity?
MADAMEPERNELLETillhisguiltisclear,
Amandeservesthebenefitofthedoubt.Youshouldhavewaited,toseehowthingsturnedout.
ORGONGreatGodinHeaven,whatmoreproofdidIneed?WasItositthere,watching,untilhe’d...Youdrivemetothebrinkofimpropriety.
MADAMEPERNELLENo,no,amanofsuchsurpassingpietyCouldnotdosuchathing.Youcannotshakeme.Idon’tbelieveit,andyoushallnotmakeme.
ORGONYouvexmesothat,ifyouweren’tmymother,I’dsaytoyou...somedreadfulthingorother.
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DORINE
It’syourturnnow,Sir,nottobelistenedto;You’dnottrustus,andnowshewon’ttrustyou.
CLEANTEMyfriends,we’rewastingtimewhichshouldbespentInfacinguptoourpredicament.Ifearthatscoundrel’sthreatsweren’tmadeinsport.
DAMISDoyouthinkhe’dhavethenervetogotocourt?
ELMIREI’msurehewon’t:they’dfinditalltoocrudeAcaseofswindlingandingratitude.
CLEANTEDon’tbetoosure.Hewon’tbeatalossTogivehisclaimsahighandrighteousgloss;AndcleverrogueswithfarlessvalidcauseHavetrappedtheirvictimsinaweboflaws.IsayagainthattoantagonizeAmansostronglyarmedwasmostunwise.
ORGONIknowit;buttheman’sappallingcheekOutragemeso,Icouldn’tcontrolmypique.
CLEANTEIwishtoHeaventhatwecoulddeviseSometrucebetweenyou,orsomecompromise.
ELMIREIfIhadknownwhatcardsheheld,I’dnotHaverousedhisangerbymylittleplot.
ORGON(ToDorine,asM.Loyalenters)
Whatisthatfellowlookingfor?Whoishe?Gotalktohim-andtellhimthatI’mbusy.
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SCENEFOURM.LOYAL,MME.PERNELLE,MARIANE,ELMIRE,DORINE,DAMIS,ORGON,CLEANTE
MONSIEURLOYAL
Goodday,dearsister.KindlyletmeseeYourmaster.
DORINEHe’sinvolvedwithcompany,
Andcannotbedisturbedjustnow,Ifear.
MONSIEURLOYALIhatetointrude;butwhathasbroughtmehereWillnotdisturbyourmaster,inanyevent.Indeed,mynewswillmakehimmostcontent.
DORINEYourname?
MONSIEURLOYALJustsaythatIbringgreetingsfrom
MisterTartuffe,onwhosebehalfI’vecome.
DORINESir,he’saverygraciousman,andbearsAmessagefromTartuffe,which,hedeclares,Willmakeyoumostcontent.
CLEANTEUponmyword,
Ithinkthismanhadbestbeseen,andheard.
ORGONPerhapshehassomesettlementtosuggest.HowshallItreathim?Whatmannerwouldbebest?
CLEANTEControlyouranger,andifheshouldmentionSomefairadjustment,givehimyourfullattention.
MONSIEURLOYALGoodhealthtoyou,goodSir.MayHeavenconfoundYourenemies,andmayyourjoysabound.
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ORGON(AsidetoCleante)
Agentlesalutation:itconfirmsMyguessthatheisheretoofferterms.
MONSIEURLOYALI’vealwaysheldyourfamilymostdear;Iservedyourfather,Sir,formanyayear.
ORGONSir,Imustaskyourpardon;tomyshame,Icannotnowrecallyourfaceorname.
MONSIEURLOYALLoyal’smyname;IcomefromChicopee,AndI’mabailiff,inallmodesty.Forfortyyears,praiseGod,it’sbeenmyboastToservewithhonorinthatvitalpost,AndIamhere,Sir,ifyouwillpermitTheliberty,toserveyouwiththiswrit...
ORGONTo-what?
MONSIEURLOYALNow,please,Sir,letushavenofriction:It’snothingbutanorderofeviction.YouaretomoveyourgoodsandfamilyoutAndmakewayfornewoccupants,withoutDefermentordelay,andgivethekeys...
ORGONI?Leavethishouse?
MONSIEURLOYALWhyyes,Sir,ifyouplease.
Thishouse,Sir,fromthecellartotheroof,BelongsnowtoourgoodfriendTartuffe,AndheislordandmasterofyourestateByvirtueofadeedofpresentdate,Drawnindueform,withclearestlegalphrasing...
DAMISYourinsolenceisutterlyamazing!
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MONSIEURLOYAL
Youngman,mybusinesshereisnotwithyou,Butwithyourwiseandtemperatefather,who,Likeeveryworthycitizen,standsinaweOfjustice,andwouldneverobstructthelaw.
ORGONBut...
MONSIEURLOYALNotforamillion,Sir,wouldyourebel
Againstauthority;Iknowthat'well.You’llnotmaketrouble,Sir,orinterfereWiththeexecutionofmydutieshere.
DAMISSomeonemayexecuteasmarttattooOnthatblackjacketofyours,beforeyou’rethrough.
MONSIEURLOYALSir,bidyoursonbesilent.I’dmuchregretHavingtomentionsuchanastythreatOfviolence,inwritingmyreport.
DORINE(Aside)
ThismanLoyal’samostdisloyalsort!
MONSIEURLOYALIloveallmenofuprightcharacter,AndwhenIagreedtoservethesepapers,Sir,ItwasyourfeelingsthatIhadinmind.Icouldn’tbeartoseethecaseassignedTosomeoneelse,whomightesteemyoulessAndsosubjectyoutounpleasantness.
ORGONWhat’smoreunpleasantthantellingamantoleaveHishouseandhome?
MONSIEURLOYALYou’dlikeashortreprieve?
Ifyoudesireit,Sir,Ishallnotpressyou,
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Butwaituntiltomorrowtodispossessyou.Splendid.I’llcomeandspendthenighthere,then,Mostquietly,withhalfascoreofmen.Forform’ssake,youmightbringme,justbeforeYougotobed,thekeystothefrontdoor.Mymen,Ipromise,willbeontheirbestBehavior,andwillnotdisturbyourrest.Butbrightandearly,Sir,youmustbequickAndmoveoutallyourfurniture,everystick:
ORGON(Aside)Imaybeallbutbankrupt,butIvowI’dgiveahundredbucks,hereandnow,JustforthepleasureoflandingonegoodcloutRightontheendofthatcomplacentsnout.
CLEANTECareful;don’tmakethingsworse.
DAMISMybootsoleitches
Togivethatbeggaragoodkickinthebreeches.
DORINEMonsieurLoyal,I’dlovetohearthewhackOfastoutstickacrossyourfinebroadback.
MONSIEURLOYALTakecare:awomantoomaygotojailifSheusesthreateninglanguagetoabailiff.
CLEANTEEnough,enough,Sir.Thismustnotgoon.Givemethatpaper,please,andthenbegone.
MONSIEURLOYALWell,aurevoir.Godgiveyouallgoodcheer!
ORGONMayGodconfoundyou,andhimwhosentyouhere!
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SCENEFIVEORGON,CLEANTE,MARIANE,ELMIRE,MME.PERNELLE,DORINE,DAMIS
ORGON
Now,Mother,wasIrightornot?ThiswritShouldchangeyournotionofTartuffeabit.Doyouperceivehisvillainyatlast?
MADAMEPERNELLEI’mthunderstruck.I’mutterlyaghast.
DORINEOh,come,befair.Youmustn’ttakeoffenseAtthisnewproofofhisbenevolence.He’sactingoutofselflesslove,Iknow.Materialthingsenslavethesoul,andsoHekindlyhasarrangedyourliberationFromallthatmightendangeryoursalvation.
ORGONWillyounoteverholdyourtongue,youdunce?
CLEANTECome,youmusttakesomeaction,andatonce.
ELMIREGotelltheworldofthelowtrickhe’stried.ThedeedofgiftissurelynullifiedBysuchbehavior,andpublicragewillnotPermitthewretchtocarryouthisplot.
SCENESIXVALERE,ORGON,CLEANTE,MARIANE,ELMIRE,MME.PERNELLE,DORINE,DAMIS
VALERE
Sir,thoughIhatetobringyoumorebadnews,SuchisthedangerthatIcannotchoose.AfriendwhoisextremelyclosetomeAndknowsmyinterestinyourfamilyHas,formysake,presumedtoviolateThesecrecythat’sduetothingsofstate,AndsendsmewordthatyouareinaplightFromwhichyouronesalvationliesinflight.
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Thatscoundrelwho’simposeduponyousoDenouncedyoutothecourtanhouragoAnd,assupportingevidence,displayedThestrong-boxofacertainrenegadeWhosesecretpapers,sohetestified,Youhaddisloyallyagreedtohide.Idon’tknowjustwhatchargesmaybepressed,Butthere’sawarrantoutforyourarrest;Tartuffehasbeeninstructed,furthermore,Toguidethearrestingofficertoyourdoor.
CLEANTE
He’sclearlydonethistofacilitateHisseizureofyourhouseandyourestate.
VALEREMycarriageisoutside,totakeyouhence;Thismoneyshouldcoverallexpense.Let’slosenotime,oryoushallbeundone;Thesoledefense,inthiscase,istorun.Ishallgowithyoualltheway,andplaceyouInasaferefugetowhichthey’llnevertraceyou.
ORGONAlas,dearboy,IwishthatIcouldshowyouMygratitudeforeverythingIoweyou.Butnowisnotthetime;IpraytheLordThatImaylivetogiveyouyourreward.Farewell,mydears;becareful...
CLEANTE:Brother,hurry.
Weshalltakecareofthings;youneedn’tworry.
SCENESEVENOFFICER,TARTUFFE,VALERE,ORGON,CLEANTE,MARIANE,ELMIRE,MME.PERNELLE,
DORINE,DAMIS
TARTUFFEGently,Sir,gently;stayrightwhereyouare.Noneedforhaste;yourlodgingisn’tfar.You’reofftoprison,byorderoftheJudge.
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ORGONThisisthecrowningblow,andsince,yousludge;Itmeansmytotalruinanddefeat,Yourvillainyisnowatlastcomplete.
TARTUFFEYouneedn’ttrytoprovokeme;it’snouse.ThosewhoserveHeavenmustexpectabuse.
CLEANTEYouareindeedmostpatient,sweet,andblameless.
DORINEHowheexploitsthenameofHeaven!It’sshameless.
TARTUFFEYourtauntsandmockeriesareallfornaught;Todomydutyismyonlythought.
MARIANEYourloveofdutyismostmeritorious,Andwhatyou’vedoneislittleshortofglorious.
TARTUFFEAlldeedsareglorious,Madam,whichobeyHisHonorwhosentmeheretoday.
ORGONIrescuedyouwhenyouweredestitute;Haveyouforgottenthat,youthanklessbrute?
TARTUFFENo,no,Iwellremembereverytort;Butmyfirstdutyistoservethecourt.ThatobligationissoparamountThatotherclaims,besideit,donotcount;AndforitIwouldsacrificemywife,Myfamily,myfriend,ormyownlife.
ELMIREHypocrite!
DORINEAllthatwemostrevere,heuses
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Tocloakhisplotsandcamouflagehisruses.
CLEANTEIfitistruethatyouareanimatedBypureandloyalzeal,asyouhavestated,Whywasthiszealnotrouseduntilyou’dsoughtTomakeOrgonacuckold,andbeencaught?Whyweren’tyoumovedtogiveyourevidenceUntilyouroutragedhosthaddrivenyouhence?Ishan’tsaythatthegiftofallhistreasureOughttohavedampedyourzealinanymeasure;Butifheisatraitor,asyoudeclare,Howcouldyoucondescendtobehisheir?
TARTUFFE(TotheOfficer)
Sir,sparemeallthisclamor;it’sgrowingshrill.Pleasecarryoutyourorders,ifyouwill.
OFFICERYes,I’vedelayedtoolong,Sir.Thankyoukindly.You’rejusttheproperpersontoremindme.Come,youareofftojointheotherboardersInadankprison,accordingtohisorders.
TARTUFFEWho?I,Sir?
OFFICER Yes.
TARTUFFEToprison?Thiscan’tbetrue!
OFFICERIoweanexplanation,butnottoyou.(toOrgon)Sir,alliswell;resteasy,andbegrateful.WeserveaLeadertowhomallshamishateful,ALeaderwhoseesintoourinmosthearts,Andcan’tbefooledbyanytrickster’sarts.Hisdeepsoul,thoughgenerousandhuman,Viewsallthingswithdiscernmentandacumen;Hissovereignreasonisnotlightlyswayed,Andallhisjudgmentsarediscreetlyweighed.
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Betrayingyou,theroguestoodself-betrayed.OurofficerssoonrecognizedTartuffeasoneNotoriousbyanothername,who’ddoneSomanyviciouscrimesthatonecouldfillTenvolumeswiththem,andbewritingstill.Buttobebrief:thejudgewasappalledBythisman’streacherytowardyou,whichhecalledThelast,worstvillainyofavilecareer,AndbademefollowtheimpostorhereToseehowgrosshisimpudencecouldbe,Andforcehimtorestoreyourproperty.Yourprivatepapers,bytheCourt’scommand,Iherebyseizeandgiveintoyourhand.TheCourt,bothrevokesandinvalidatesThedeedwhichgavethisrascalyourestates,Andpardons,furthermore,yourgraveoffenseInharboringanexile’sdocuments.Bythesedecrees,theCourtrewardsyouforYourcourageousdeedsinthelatewar,AndshowshowheartfeltishissatisfactionInrecompensinganyworthyaction,Howmuchheprizesmerit,andhowhemakesMoreofmen’svirtuesthanoftheirmistakes.
DORINEHeavenbepraised!
MADAMEPERNELLEIbreatheagain,atlast.
ELMIREWe’resafe.
MARIANEIcan’tbelievethedanger’spast.
ORGONWell,traitor,nowyousee...
CLEANTEAh,Brother,please,
Let’snotdescendtosuchindignities.Leavethepoorwretchtohisunhappyfate,Anddon’tsayanythingtoaggravate
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Hispresentwoes;butratherhopethatheWillsoonembraceanhonestpiety.
ORGONWellsaid:let’sgoatonceand,gladlykneeling,Expressthegratitudewhichallarefeeling.Then,whenthatfirstgreatdutyhasbeendone,We’llturnwithpleasuretoasecondone,AndgiveValére,whoselovehasprovensotrueTheweddedhappinesswhichishisdue.
Thecomedyendswithadance.
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