Act III. Scene V. Molière, Jean Baptiste Poquelin. 1909-14. Tartuffe. The Harvard Classics

Jean Baptiste Poquelin Molière (1622–1673). Tartuffe.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act III

Scene V


ORGON, ELMIRE, DAMIS, TARTUFFE Damis Father, we’ve news to welcome your arrival,
That’s altogether novel, and surprising.
You are well paid for your caressing care,
And this fine gentleman rewards your love
Most handsomely, with zeal that seeks no less	5
Than your dishonour, as has now been proven.
I’ve just surprised him making to your wife
The shameful offer of a guilty love.
She, somewhat over gentle and discreet,
Insisted that the thing should be concealed;	10
But I will not condone such shamelessness,
Nor so far wrong you as to keep it secret.

Elmire Yes, I believe a wife should never trouble
Her husband’s peace of mind with such vain gossip;
A woman’s honour does not hang on telling;	15
It is enough if she defend herself;
Or so I think; Damis, you’d not have spoken,
If you would but have heeded my advice.