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

4

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.

22

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.

23

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.

24

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...

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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.

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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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