Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite

Mme. Pernelle. Let's go, Flipote, let's go. I hate this place. Elmire. I can't keep up, you rush at such a pace. Mme. Pernelle. Peace, my dear, peace; come no farther. I don't w...

Cleante. She's making fun of you to your face, brother; And, though I don't intend to be a bother, I must frankly admit that there's some justice In what she says. What a crazy...

Valere. Gossip is singing a little ditty, My dear,--news to me and very pretty. Mariane. What? Valere. That you will marry Tartuffe. Mariane. It's true That my father has such a...

Tartuffe. May Heaven forever in its great bounty Grant you good health both in soul and body, And bless your days as much as he desires Who is the humblest of those your love in...

Tartuffe. You wish to speak with me in here, I'm told. Elmire. Yes. I now have some secrets to unfold, But shut the door before I say a word And look around--we mustn't be overh...

Orgon [perceiving Dorine]. What do you stare at? You must be eaten up with curiosity To eavesdrop on my daughter and me. Dorine. I don't know whether the rumor I hear Is sly con...

Valere. I'm sorry, sir, that I've come to distress you; But certain dangers may soon oppress you. A friend, whose love for me is deep and true And who knows how much I care abou...

Dorine. Have you entirely lost your voice and heart? Why must I continue playing your part? To think you allow such a mad proposal Without voicing even a meek refusal! Mariane....

Monsieur Loyal [to Dorine]. Hello, my dear sister. Could you please see If your master is in? Dorine. He has company, And I doubt he'll be able to see you now. Monsieur Loyal. I...

Orgon. Ah! I'm pleased to see you all assembled. [To Mariane] This contract here should make you very gay; I'm sure you know what I'm about to say. Mariane [kneeling]. In the na...

Cleante. Yes, the whole town is talking about it, And they don't think it does you much credit. And I've sought you out, sir, just for the sake Of telling you bluntly what I thi...

Madame Pernelle. What's happening? The tales I'm told are awful. Orgon. Novel things have been happening to me, And for all my kindness, this is my fee. I lift the man out of hi...

Orgon. What do I hear? Good God! Is it credible? Tartuffe. Yes, brother, I'm wicked and culpable, A sorry sinner, full of iniquity, As great a wretch as there ever could be. My...

Cleante. Where are you rushing? Orgon. Who knows? Cleante. It might make sense To begin by having a conference About everything that has happened lately. Orgon. That box of pape...

Orgon. To offend in that way a saintly man! Tartuffe. Heavenly Lord pardon him if you can. [To Orgon.] If you only knew with what pain I see them trying to blacken my name. . ....

Cleante. I'm not following; I'm sure there'd only be more quarrelling. How that old harridan . . . Dorine. Oh, how I regret That she can't hear you use that epithet. She'd tell...

Orgon. Hello, brother! Cleante. I'm glad you've returned before my departure. The countryside isn't quite blossoming yet. Orgon. Dorine . . . One second brother, please! Just le...

Damis [coming out of the closet in which he was hiding]. No, madam, no. All this must be exposed. By hiding here I've heard all he proposed, And God in His goodness has guided m...

Orgon. Mariane. Mariane. Yes. Orgon. Come here. We need to speak Privately. Mariane. Father, what is it you seek? Orgon [looking in the closet]. I'm seeing if anyone can overhea...

Damis. May a bolt of lightning now strike me dumb, May everybody treat me like a bum If either respect or force can hinder me From blowing my top at this calamity! Dorine. For h...

Tartuffe [without seeing Orgon]. All things conspire, madame, for my contentment: I've closely examined the whole apartment; No one is around, and my heart's delight. . . [Just...

Elmire. Bring the table here, and then crouch down low. Orgon. Why? Elmire. Hiding you well is to be desired. Orgon. Why under the table? Elmire. Just do what's required! I've m...

Tartuffe [observing Dorine]. Laurent, lock up my hair shirt and my scourge, And pray for freedom from each carnal urge. If anyone comes calling, say I have gone To share my alms...

Damis. Father, it may surprise . . . and amuse you greatly . . . To hear the news of what's gone on lately. You're being well paid for all your caresses By your friend's respons...

Orgon. There! You now see, mother, that I was right, And you can judge of the rest by this writ. Do you admit at last that he can lie? Madame Pernelle. It's as if a bolt has str...

Elmire [to Cleante]. You should be glad you missed the dreadful chore Of attending her lecture beside the door-- Here comes my spouse! Since he doesn't see me, I'm going upstair...

Damis. Father, is it true that this cad threatens you, That he has forgotten the gifts that bound you two, And that his shameful pride, maddeningly, Has repaid your kindness wit...

Orgon [coming out from under the table]. There, I swear, is an abominable man! I can't get over it. What is his plan? Elmire. How now? Come out so soon? Were you having fun? Get...

Elmire. What is he saying and what is he after? Orgon. I'm ashamed to say this is no time for laughter. Elmire. Why? Orgon. I see my error by what he said; I gave him my lands....

Dorine [to Cleante]. Please, sir, help us help her, for pity's sake. Her suffering is such that her heart may break, And the pact her father made this evening Is the cause of al...