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diff --git a/2992-h/2992-h.htm b/2992-h/2992-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2095441 --- /dev/null +++ b/2992-h/2992-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4739 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Middle Class Gentleman, by Moliere + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Middle Class Gentleman, by Moliere + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Middle Class Gentleman + (Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme) + +Author: Moliere + +Release Date: December 25, 2008 [EBook #2992] +Last Updated: February 6, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIDDLE CLASS GENTLEMAN *** + + + + +Produced by Philip Dwight Jones, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MIDDLE CLASS GENTLEMAN + </h1> + <h2> + (Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme) + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By MOLIÈRE + </h2> + <h3> + (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, 1622-1673) + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Translated by Philip Dwight Jones + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Comedy-Ballet presented at Chambord, for the entertainment of the King, in + the month of October 1670, and to the public in Paris for the first time + at the Palais-Royal Theater 23 November 1670 <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#linkact1">ACT ONE</a> <br /> <a href="#linkact2">ACT TWO</a> + <br /> <a href="#linkact3">ACT THREE</a> <br /> <a href="#linkact4">ACT FOUR</a> + <br /> <a href="#linkact5">ACT FIVE</a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + The Cast + </h3> + <p> + Monsieur Jourdain, <i>bourgeois</i>. <br />Madame Jourdain, <i>his + wife</i>. <br />Lucile, <i>their daughter</i>. <br />Nicole, <i>maid</i>. + <br />Cléonte, <i>suitor of Lucile</i>. <br />Covielle, <i>Cléonte's + valet.</i> <br />Dorante, <i>Count, suitor of Dorimène</i>. + <br />Dorimène, <i>Marchioness.</i> <br />Music Master. + <br />Pupil of the Music Master. <br />Dancing Master. <br />Fencing + Master. <br />Master of Philosophy. <br />Tailor. <br />Tailor's + apprentice. <br />Two lackeys. <br />Many male and female + musicians, instrumentalists, dancers, cooks, tailor's apprentices, and + others necessary for the interludes. + </p> + <p> + <i>The scene is Monsieur Jourdain's house in Paris.</i> <i> </i> + </p> + <div class="play"> + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /><a name="linkact1" id="linkact1"></a> <br /> + <h2> + ACT ONE + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I <i>(Music Master, Dancing Master, Musicians, and Dancers)</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>(The play opens with a great assembly of instruments, and in the + middle of the stage is a</i> <i>pupil of the Music Master seated at a + table composing a melody</i> <i>which Monsieur Jourdain has ordered for + a serenade.)</i> + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: <i>(To Musicians)</i> Come, come into this room, sit there + and wait until he comes. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: <i>(To dancers)</i> And you too, on this side. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: <i>(To Pupil)</i> Is it done? + </p> + <p> + PUPIL: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Let's see. . . This is good. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Is it something new? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Yes, it's a melody for a serenade that I set him to + composing here, while waiting for our man to awake. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: May I see it? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You'll hear it, with the dialogue, when he comes. He won't + be long. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Our work, yours and mine, is not trivial at present. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: This is true. We've found here such a man as we both need. + This is a nice source of income for us -- this Monsieur Jourdain, with + the visions of nobility and gallantry that he has gotten into his head. + You and I should hope that everyone resembled him. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Not entirely; I could wish that he understood better the + things that we give him. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: It's true that he understands them poorly, but he pays + well, and that's what our art needs now more than anything else. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: As for me, I admit, I feed a little on glory. Applause + touches me; and I hold that, in all the fine arts, it is painful to + produce for dolts, to endure the barbarous opinions of a fool about my + choreography. It is a pleasure, don't tell me otherwise, to work for + people who can appreciate the fine points of an art, who know how to + give a sweet reception to the beauties of a work and, by pleasurable + approbations, gratify us for our labor. Yes, the most agreeable + recompense we can receive for the things we do is to see them recognized + and flattered by an applause that honors us. There is nothing, in my + opinion, that pays us better for all our fatigue; and it is an exquisite + delight to receive the praises of the well-informed. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: I agree, and I enjoy them as you do. There is surely + nothing more agreeable than the applause you speak of; but that incense + does not provide a living. Pure praises do not provide a comfortable + existence; it is necessary to add something solid, and the best way to + praise is to praise with cash-in-hand. He's a man, it's true, whose + insight is very slight, who talks nonsense about everything and applauds + only for the wrong reasons but his money makes up for his judgments. He + has discernment in his purse. His praises are in cash, and this ignorant + bourgeois is worth more to us, as you see, than the educated nobleman + who introduced us here. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: There is some truth in what you say; but I find that you + lean a little too heavily on money; and material interest is something + so base that a man of good taste should never show an attachment to it. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You are ready enough to receive the money our man gives + you. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Assuredly; but I don't place all my happiness in it, and + I could wish that together with his fortune he had some good taste in + things. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: I could wish it too, that's what both of us are working + for as much as we can. But, in any case, he gives us the means to make + ourselves known in the world; and he will pay others if they will praise + him. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Here he comes. + </p> + <p> + SCENE II <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Two Lackeys, Music Master, Dancing + Master, Pupil, Musicians, and Dancers)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Well gentlemen? What's this? Are you going to show me + your little skit? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: How? What little skit? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Well, the. . . What-do-you-call it? Your prologue or + dialogue of songs and dances. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You find us ready for you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I kept you waiting a little, but it's because I'm + having myself dressed today like the people of quality, and my tailor + sent me some silk stockings that I thought I would never get on. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: We are here only to wait upon your leisure. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I want you both to stay until they have brought me my + suit, so that you may see me. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Whatever you would like. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You will see me fitted out properly, from head to + foot. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: We have no doubt of it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I had this robe made for me. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: It's very attractive. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: My tailor told me the people of quality dress like + this in the mornings. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: It's marvelously becoming. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Hey lackeys! My two lackeys! + </p> + <p> + FIRST LACKEY; What do you wish, Sir? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Nothing. I just wanted to see if you were paying + attention. <i>(To the two masters)</i> What say you of my liveries? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: They're magnificent. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Half opening his gown, showing a pair</i> <i>of + tight red velvet breeches, and a green velvet vest, that he</i> <i>is + wearing) </i>Here again is a sort of lounging dress to perform my + morning exercises in. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: It is elegant. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Lackey! + </p> + <p> + FIRST LACKEY: Sir? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The other lackey! + </p> + <p> + SECOND LACKEY: Sir? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Hold my robe. + </p> + <p> + <i>(To the Masters)</i> Do you think I look good? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Very well. No one could look better. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Now let's have a look at your little show. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: I would like very much for you to listen to a melody he <i>(indicating + his student)</i> has just composed for the serenade that you ordered + from me. He's one of my pupils who has an admirable talent for these + kinds of things. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, but you should not have had that done by a + pupil; you yourself were none too good for that piece of work. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You must not let the name of pupil fool you, sir. Pupils + of this sort know as much as the greatest masters, and the melody is as + fine as could be made. Just listen. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(To Lackeys)</i> Give me my robe so I can listen + better . . . Wait, I believe I would be better without a robe. . . No, + give it back, that will be better. + </p> + <p> + MUSICIAN: <i>(Singing)</i> <i>I languish night and day, my suffering is + extreme</i> <i>Since to your control your lovely eyes subjected me;</i> + <i>If you thus treat, fair Iris, those you love,</i> <i>Alas, how would + you treat an enemy?</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: This song seems to me a little mournful, it lulls to + sleep, and I would like it if you could liven it up a little, here and + there. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: It is necessary, Sir, that the tune be suited to the + words. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Someone taught me a perfectly pretty one some time + ago. Listen . . . Now . . . how does it go? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: By my faith, I don't know. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There are sheep in it. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Sheep? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes. Ah! <i>(He sings)</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>I thought my Jeanneton</i> <i>As beautiful as sweet;</i> <i>I thought + my Janneton</i> <i>Far sweeter than a sheep.</i> <i>Alas! Alas! She is a + hundred times,</i> <i>A thousand times, more cruel</i> <i>Than tigers in + the woods!</i> + </p> + <p> + Isn't it pretty? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: The prettiest in the world. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: And you sing it well. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's without having learned music. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You ought to learn it, Sir, as you are learning dancing. + They are two arts which have a close connection. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: And which open the mind of a man to fine things. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: And do people of quality learn music, too? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Yes sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'll learn it then. But I don't know when I can find + time; for besides the Fencing Master who's teaching me, I have also + engaged a master of philosophy who is to begin this morning. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Philosophy is something; but music, sir, music . . . + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Music and dancing, music and dancing, that's all that's + necessary. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: There's nothing so useful in a State as music. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: There's nothing so necessary to men as dancing. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Without music, a State cannot subsist. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Without the dance, a man can do nothing. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: All the disorders, all the wars one sees in the world + happen only from not learning music. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: All the misfortunes of mankind, all the dreadful + disasters that fill the history books, the blunders of politicians and + the faults of omission of great commanders, all this comes from not + knowing how to dance. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How is that? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Does not war result from a lack of agreement between men? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That is true. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: And if all men learned music, wouldn't that be a means of + bringing about harmony and of seeing universal peace in the world? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You are right. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: When a man has committed a mistake in his conduct, in + family affairs, or in affairs of government of a state, or in the + command of an army, do we not always say, "He took a bad step in such + and such an affair?" + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, that's said. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: And can taking a bad step result from anything but not + knowing how to dance? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's true, you are both right. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: It makes you see the excellence and usefulness of music + and the dance. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I understand that, now. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Do you wish to see our pieces? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: I have already told you that this is a little attempt I + have made to show the different passions that music can express. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Very good. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER <i>(To musicians)</i> Here, come forward<i>. (To Monsieur</i> + <i>Jourdain)</i> You must imagine that they are dressed as shepherds. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Why always as shepherds? You see nothing but that + everywhere. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: When we have characters that are to speak in music, it's + necessary, for believability, to make them pastoral. Singing has always + been assigned to shepherds; and it is scarcely natural dialogue for + princes or merchants to sing their passions. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Alright, alright. Let's see. + </p> + <p> + DIALOGUE IN MUSIC: <i>(A Woman and Two Men)</i> + </p> + <p> + ALL THREE: <i>A heart, under the domination of love,</i> <i>Is always + with a thousand cares oppressed.</i> <i>It is said that we gladly + languish, gladly sigh;</i> <i>But, despite what can be said,</i> <i>There + is nothing so sweet as our liberty!</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST MAN: <i>There is nothing so sweet as the loving fires</i> <i>That + make two hearts beat as one.</i> <i>One cannot live without amorous + desires;</i> <i>Take love from life, you take away the pleasures.</i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND MAN: <i>It would be sweet to submit to love's rule,</i> <i>If one + could find faithful love,</i> <i>But, alas! oh cruel rule!</i> <i>No + faithful shepherdess is to be seen,</i> <i>And that inconstant sex, much + too unworthy,</i> <i>Must renounce love eternally.</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST MAN: <i>Pleasing ardor!</i> + </p> + <p> + WOMAN: <i>Happy liberty!</i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND MAN: <i>Deceitful woman!</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST MAN: <i>How precious you are to me!</i> + </p> + <p> + WOMAN: <i>How you please my heart!</i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND MAN: <i>How horrible you are to me!</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST MAN: <i>Ah, leave, for love, that mortal hate!</i> + </p> + <p> + WOMAN: <i>We can, we can show you</i> <i>a faithful shepherdess!</i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND MAN: <i>Alas! Where to find her?</i> + </p> + <p> + WOMAN: <i>In order to defend our reputation,</i> <i>I want to offer you + my heart!</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST MAN: <i>But, shepherdess, can I believe</i> <i>That it will not be + deceitful?</i> + </p> + <p> + WOMAN: <i>We'll see through experience,</i> <i>Who of the two loves + best.</i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND MAN: <i>Who lacks constancy,</i> <i>May the gods destroy!</i> + </p> + <p> + ALL THREE: <i>With ardors so beautiful</i> <i>Let us be inflamed!</i> <i>Ah, + how sweet it is to love,</i> <i>When two hearts are faithful!</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Is that all? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I find it well-done, and there are some pretty enough + sayings in it. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Here, for my presentation, is a little display of the + loveliest movements and the most beautiful attitudes with which a dance + can possibly be varied. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Are these shepherds too? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: They're whatever you please. Let's go! + </p> + <p> + <i>(Four dancers execute all the different movements and all the kinds + of steps that the Dancing Master</i> <i>commands; and this dance makes + the First Interlude.)</i> <i> </i> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <br /><a name="linkact2" id="linkact2"></a> <br /> + <h2> + ACT TWO + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Music Master, Dancing Master, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That's not all that bad, and those people there hop + around well. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: When the dance is combined with the music, it will have + even better effect, and you will see something quite good in the little + ballet we have prepared for you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That's for later, when the person I ordered all this + for is to do me the honor of coming here to dine. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Everything is ready. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: However, sir, this is not enough. A person like you, who + lives magnificently, and who are inclined towards fine things, should + have a concert of music here every Wednesday or every Thursday. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Is that what people of quality do? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Then I'll have them. Will it be fine? + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Without doubt. You must have three voices-- a tenor, a + soprano, and a bass, who will be accompanied by a bass-viol, a theorbo, + and a clavecin for the chords, with two violins to play the + ritournelles. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You must also add a trumpet marine. The trumpet + marine is an instrument that pleases me and it's harmonious. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Leave it to us to manage things. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: At least, don't forget to send the musicians to sing + at table. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You will have everything you should have. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: But above all, let the ballet be fine. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You will be pleased with it, and, among other things, with + certain minuets you will find in it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! Minuets are my dance, and I would like you to see + me dance them. Come, my Dancing Master. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: A hat, sir, if you please. La, la, la, la. La, la, la, + la. In cadence please. La, la, la, la. Your right leg. La, la, la, la. + Don't move your shoulders so. La, la, la, la. Your arms are wrong. La, + la, la, la. Raise your head. Turn the toe out. La, la, la, la. + Straighten your body up. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How was that? <i>(Breathlessly)</i> + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: The best. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: By the way, teach me how to bow to salute a + marchioness; I shall need to know soon. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: How you must bow to salute a marchioness? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, a marchioness named Dorimène. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Give me your hand. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No. You only have to do it, I'll remember it well. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: If you want to salute her with a great deal of respect, + you must first bow and step back, then bow three times as you walk + towards her, and at the last one bow down to her knees. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(After the Dancing Master has illustrated)</i> Do + it some. Good! + </p> + <p> + LACKEY: Sir, your Fencing Master is here. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Tell him to come in here for my lesson. I want you to + see me perform. + </p> + <p> + SCENE II <i>(Fencing Master, Music Master, Dancing Master, Monsier + Jourdain, a Lackey)</i> + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: <i>(After giving a foil to Monsieur Jourdain)</i> Come, + sir, the salute. Your body straight. A little inclined upon the left + thigh. Your legs not so wide apart. Your feet both in a line. Your wrist + opposite your hip. The point of your sword even with your shoulder. The + arm not so much extended. The left hand at the level of the eye. The + left shoulder more squared. The head up. The expression bold. Advance. + The body steady. Beat carte, and thrust. One, two. Recover. Again, with + the foot firm. Leap back. When you make a pass, Sir, you must first + disengage, and your body must be well turned. One, two. Come, beat + tierce and thrust. Advance. Stop there. One, two. Recover. Repeat. Leap + back. On guard, Sir, on guard. <i>(The fencing master touches him two or + three times with</i> <i>the foil while saying, "On guard." )</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How was that? <i>(Breathlessly)</i> + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: You did marvelously! + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: As I have told you, the entire secret of fencing lies in + two things: to give and not to receive; and as I demonstrated to you the + other day, it is impossible for you to receive, if you know how to turn + your opponent's sword from the line of your body. This depends solely on + a slight movement of the wrist, either inward or outward. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: In this way then, a man, without courage, is sure to + kill his man and not be killed himself? + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: Without doubt. Didn't you see the demonstration? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: And thus you have seen how men like me should be + considered by the State, and how the science of fencing is more + important than all the other useless sciences, such as dancing, music, + ... + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Careful there, Monsieur swordsman! Speak of the dance + only with respect. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: I beg you to speak better of the excellence of music. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: You are amusing fellows, to want to compare your + sciences with mine! + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: See the self-importance of the man! + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: My little Dancing Master, I'll make you dance as you + ought. And you, my little musician, I'll make you sing in a pretty way. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Monsieur Clanger-of-iron, I'll teach you your trade. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(To the Dancing Master)</i> Are you crazy to + quarrel with him, who knows tierce and quarte, and who can kill a man by + demonstration? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: I disdain his demonstrations, and his tierce, and his + quarte. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Careful, I tell you. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: What? You little impertinent! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh! My Fencing Master. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: What? You big workhorse! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh! My Dancing Master. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: If I throw myself on you ... + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Careful. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: If I get my hands on you ... + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be nice! + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: I'll go over you with a curry-comb, in such a way... + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Mercy! + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: I'll give you a beating such as ... + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I beg of you! + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Let us teach him a little how to talk! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh Lord! Stop. + </p> + <p> + SCENE III <i>(Philosophy Master, Music Master, Dancing Master, Fencing + Master, Monsieur Jourdain, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Aha! Monsieur Philosopher, you come just in time with + your philosophy. Come, make a little peace among these people. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: What's happening? What's the matter, gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: They have got into a rage over the superiority of + their professions to the point of injurious words and of wanting to come + to blows. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: What! Gentlemen, must you act this way? Haven't you + read the learned treatise that Seneca composed on anger? Is there + anything more base and more shameful than this passion, which turns a + man into a savage beast? And shouldn't reason be the mistress of all our + activities? + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Well! Sir, he has just abused both of us by, despising + the dance, which I practice, and music, which is his profession. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: A wise man is above all the insults that can be + spoken to him; and the grand reply one should make to such outrages is + moderation and patience. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: They both had the audacity of trying to compare their + professions with mine. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Should that disturb you? Men should not dispute + amongst themselves about vainglory and rank; that which perfectly + distinguishes one from the other is wisdom and virtue. + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: I insist to him that dance is a science to which one + cannot do enough honor. + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: And I, that music is something that all the ages have + revered. + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: And I insist to them that the science of fencing is the + finest and the most necessary of all sciences. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: And where then will philosophy be? I find you all + very impertinent to speak with this arrogance in front of me, and + impudently to give the name of science to things that one should not + even honor with the name of art, and that cannot be classified except + under the name of miserable gladiator, singer, and buffoon! + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: Get out, you dog of a philosopher! + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: Get out, you worthless pedant! + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: Get out, you ill-mannered cur! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: What! Rascals that you are ... <i>(The philosopher + flings himself at them, and all three go out fighting)</i>. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Monsieur Philosopher! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Rogues! Scoundrels! Insolent dogs! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Monsieur Philosopher! + </p> + <p> + FENCING MASTER: A pox on the beast! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Gentlemen! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Impudent rogues! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Monsieur Philosopher! + </p> + <p> + DANCING MASTER: The devil take the jackass! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Gentlemen! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Villains! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Monsieur Philosopher! + </p> + <p> + MUSIC MASTER: To the devil with the impertinent fellow! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Gentlemen! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Rascals! Beggars! Traitors! Impostors! <i>(They leave</i>). + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Monsieur Philosopher, Gentlemen! Monsieur + Philosopher! Gentlemen! Monsieur Philosopher! Oh! Fight as much as you + like. I don't know what to do, and I'll not spoil my robe to separate + you. I would be a fool to go among them and receive some damaging blow. + </p> + <p> + ACT TWO + </p> + <p> + SCENE IV <i>(Philosophy Master, Monsieur Jourdain)</i> + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: <i>(Straightening the collar that indicates he is a</i> + <i>Philosopher)</i> Now to our lesson. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh! Sir, I am distressed by the blows they gave you. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: It's nothing. A philosopher knows how to take these + things and I'll compose a satire against them, in the style of Juvenal, + which will fix them nicely. Let it be. What would you like to learn? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Everything I can, for I have every desire in the + world to be educated, and I'm furious that my father and mother did not + make me study all the sciences when I was young. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: This is a reasonable sentiment. Nam sine doctrina + vita est quasi mortis imago. You understand that, and you doubtless know + Latin? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, but act as if I did not know it. Tell me what it + says. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: It says that without science life is almost an image + of death. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That Latin is right. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Don't you know some principles, some basics of the + sciences? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh yes! I can read and write. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Where would it please you for us to begin? Would you + like me to teach you logic? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What is this logic? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: It is that which teaches the three operations of the + mind. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What are these three operations of the mind? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The first, the second, and the third. The first is to + conceive well by means of the universals; the second is to judge well by + means of the categories; and the third is to draw well a conclusion by + means of figures. Barbara, Celarent, Darii, Ferio, Baralipton, etc. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Those words are too ugly. This logic doesn't suit me + at all. Let's learn something else that's prettier. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Would you like to learn morality? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Morality? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What does it say, this morality? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: It treats of happiness, teaches men to moderate their + passions, and ... + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, let's leave that. I'm as choleric as all the + devils and there's no morality that sticks, I want to be as full of + anger as I want whenever I like. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Would you like to learn physics? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What's it about, this physics? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Physics explains the principles of natural things and + the properties of the material world; it discourses on the nature of the + elements, of metals, minerals, of stones, of plants and animals, and + teaches the causes of all the meteors, the rainbow, the will o' the + wisps, the comets, lightning, thunder, thunderbolts, rain, snow, hail, + winds, and whirlwinds. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There's too much commotion in it, too much confusion. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Then what do you want me to teach you? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Teach me how to spell. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Very gladly. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Afterwards, you may teach me the almanack, to know + when there is a moon and when not. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: So be it. Following your thought and treating this + matter as a philosopher, it is necessary to begin according to the order + of things, by an exact knowledge of the nature of letters and the + different ways of pronouncing them all. And thereupon I must tell you + letters are divided into vowels, called vowels because they express the + voice; and into consonants because they sound with the vowels and only + mark the diverse articulations of the voice. There are five vowels or + voices: A, E, I, O, U. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I understand all that. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The vowel A is formed by opening the mouth widely : + A. Its vowels are to be given the sounds used in vocalizing: + Ah-aye-ee-o-ou. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: A, A. Yes. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The vowel E is formed by approaching the lower jaw to + the upper: A, E. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: A, E; A, E. By my faith, yes. Ah! How fine! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: And the vowel I, by bringing the jaws still nearer + each other and stretching the two corners of the mouth towards the ears: + A, E, I. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: A, E, I. I. I. I. That's true. Long live science! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The vowel O is formed by opening the jaws and drawing + together the two corners of the lips, upper and lower: O. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: O, O. There's nothing truer. A, E, I, O,I, O... + That's admirable! I, O, I, O. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The opening of the mouth happens to make a little + circle which represents an O. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: O, O, O. You are right! O. Ah! What a fine thing it + is to know something! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The vowel U is formed by bringing the teeth nearly + together without completely joining them, and thrusting the two lips + outward, also bringing them nearly together without completely joining + them: U. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: U, U. There's nothing truer. U. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Your two lips thrust out as if you were making a + face, whence it results that if you want to make a face at someone and + mock him, you have only to say to him "U." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: U, U. That's true. Ah! Why didn't I study sooner in + order to know all that! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Tomorrow we shall look at the other letters, which + are the consonants. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Are there things as curious about them as about + these? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Without a doubt. The consonant D, for example, is + pronounced by clapping the tongue above the upper teeth: D. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: D, D, Yes. Ah! What fine things! Fine things! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The F, by pressing the upper teeth against the lower + lip: F. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: F, F. That's the truth. Ah! My father and my mother, + how I wish you ill! + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: And the R, by carrying the tip of the tongue to the + top of the palate, so that being grazed by the air that comes out with + force, it yields to it and comes back always to the same place, making a + kind of trill: R. AR. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: R, R, AR. R, R, R, R, R, RA. That's true. Ah! What a + clever man you are! And how I have lost time! R, R, R, AR. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: I'll explain to you all these strange things to their + very depths. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Please do. But now, I must confide in you. I'm in + love with a lady of great quality, and I wish that you would help me + write something to her in a little note that I will let fall at her + feet. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Very well. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That will be gallant, yes? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Without doubt. Is it verse that you wish to write + her? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, no. No verse. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Do you want only prose? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, I don't want either prose or verse. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: It must be one or the other. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Why? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Because, sir, there is no other way to express + oneself than with prose or verse. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There is nothing but prose or verse? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: No, sir, everything that is not prose is verse, and + everything that is not verse is prose. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: And when one speaks, what is that then? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Prose. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What! When I say, "Nicole, bring me my slippers, and + give me my nightcap," that's prose? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: By my faith! For more than forty years I have been + speaking prose without knowing anything about it, and I am much obliged + to you for having taught me that. I would like then to put into a note + to her: "Beautiful marchioness, your lovely eyes make me die of love," + but I want that put in a gallant manner and be nicely turned. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: Put it that the fires of her eyes reduce your heart + to cinders; that you suffer night and day for her the torments of a . . + . + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, no, no. I want none of that; I only want you to + say "Beautiful marchioness, your lovely eyes make me die of love." + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The thing requires a little lengthening. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, I tell you, I want only those words in the note, + but turned stylishly, well arranged, as is necessary. Please tell me, + just to see, the diverse ways they could be put. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: One could put them first of all as you said them: + "Beautiful marchioness, your lovely eyes make me die of love." Or else: + "Of love to die make me, beautiful marchioness, your beautiful eyes." Or + else: "Your lovely eyes, of love make me, beautiful marchioness, die." + Or else: "Die, your lovely eyes, beautiful marchioness, of love make + me." Or else: "Me make your lovely eyes die, beautiful marchioness, of + love." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: But, of all those ways, which is the best? + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: The way you said it: "Beautiful marchioness, your + lovely eyes make me die of love." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I never studied, and yet I made the whole thing up at + the first try. I thank you with all my heart, and I ask you to come + tomorrow early. + </p> + <p> + PHILOSOPHY MASTER: I shall not fail to do so. <i>(He leaves).</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What? Hasn't my suit come yet? + </p> + <p> + THE LACKEY: No, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That cursed tailor makes me wait all day when I have + so much to do! I'm enraged. May the quartan fever shake that tormentor + of a tailor! To the devil with the tailor! May the plague choke the + tailor! If I had him here now, that detestable tailor, that dog of a + tailor, that traitor of a tailor, I . . . + </p> + <p> + SCENE V <i>(Master Tailor, Apprentice Tailor carrying suit, Monsieur + Jourdain, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! You're here! I was getting into a rage against + you. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: I could not come sooner, and I put twenty men to work on + your suit. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You sent me some silk hose so small that I had all + the difficulty in the world putting them on, and already there are two + broken stitches. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: They get bigger, too much so. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, if I always break the stitches. You also had + made for me a pair of shoes that pinch furiously. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Not at all, sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How, not at all! + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: No, they don't pinch you at all. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I tell you, they pinch me. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: You imagine that. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I imagine it because I feel it. That's a good reason + for you! + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Wait, here is the finest court-suit, and the best + matched. It's a masterpiece to have invented a serious suit that is not + black. And I give six attempts to the best tailors to equal it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What's this? You've put the flowers upside down. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: You didn't tell me you wanted them right side up. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Did I have to tell you that? + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Yes, surely. All the people of quality wear them this + way. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The people of quality wear the flowers upside down? + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh! It's alright then. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: If you like, I'll put them right side up. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, no. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: You have only to say so. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, I tell you. You've made it very well. Do you + think the suit is going to look good on me? + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: What a question! I defy a painter with his brush to do + anything that would fit you better. I have a worker in my place who is + the greatest genius in the world at mounting a rhinegrave, and another + who is the hero of the age at assembling a doublet. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The perruque and the plumes: are they correct? + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Everything's good. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Looking at the tailor's suit)</i> Ah! Ah! + Monsieur Tailor, here's the material from the last suit you made for me. + I know it well. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: You see, the material seemed so fine that I wanted a suit + made of it for myself. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, but you should not have cut it out of mine. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Do you want to put on your suit? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, give it to me. + </p> + <p> + MASTER TAILOR: Wait. That's not the way it's done. I have brought men to + dress you in a cadence; these kinds of suits are put on with ceremony. + Hey there! Come in, you! Put this suit on the gentleman the way you do + with people of quality. + </p> + <p> + <i>(Four APPRENTICE TAILORS enter, two of them pull off Monsieur</i> <i>Jourdain's + breeches made for his morning</i> <i>exercises, and two others pull off + his waistcoat; then they</i> <i>put on his new suit; Monsieur</i> <i>Jourdain + promenades among them and shows them his suit for their approval. All + this to the cadence of instrumental music.)</i> + </p> + <p> + APPRENTICE TAILOR: My dear gentleman, please to give the apprentices a + small tip. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What did you call me? + </p> + <p> + APPRENTICE TAILOR: My dear gentleman. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: My dear gentleman! That's what it is to dress like + people of quality! Go all your life dressed like a bourgeois and they'll + never call you "My dear gentleman." Here, take this for the "My dear + gentleman." + </p> + <p> + APPRENTICE TAILOR: My Lord, we are very much obliged to you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: "My Lord!" Oh! Oh! "My Lord!" Wait, my friend. "My + Lord" deserves something, and it's not a little word, this "My Lord." + Take this. That's what "My Lord" gives you. + </p> + <p> + APPRENTICE TAILOR: My Lord, we will drink to the health of Your Grace. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: "Your Grace!" Oh! Oh! Oh! Wait, don't go. To me, + "Your Grace!" My faith, if he goes as far as "Highness," he will have + all my purse. Wait. That's for "My Grace." + </p> + <p> + APPRENTICE TAILOR: My Lord, we thank you very humbly for your + liberality. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: He did well, I was going to give him everything. + </p> + <p> + <i>(The four Apprentice Tailors celebrate with a dance, which comprises + the Second Interlude.)</i> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <br /><a name="linkact3" id="linkact3"></a> <br /> + <h2> + ACT THREE + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I <i>(Monsieur Jourdain and his two Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Follow me, I am going to show off my clothes a little + about town. And above all both of you take care to walk close at my + heels, so people can see that you are with me. + </p> + <p> + LACKEYS: Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Call Nicole for me, so I can give her some orders. + Don't bother, there she is. + </p> + <p> + SCENE II <i>(Nicole, Monsieur Jourdain, two Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Nicole! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Yes, sir? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Listen. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What are you laughing about? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he, he, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What does the hussy mean by this? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he, he! Oh, how you are got up! He, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How's that? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Ah! Ah! Oh Lord! He, he, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What kind of little baggage is this? Are you mocking + me? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Certainly not, sir, I should be very sorry to do so. He, he, he, + he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'll give you a smack on the nose if you go on + laughing. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Sir, I can't help it. He, he, he, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You are not going to stop? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Sir, I beg pardon. But you are so funny that I couldn't help + laughing. He, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What insolence! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: You're so funny like that. He, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'll . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Please excuse me. He, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Listen. If you go on laughing the least bit, I swear + I'll give you the biggest slap ever given. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Alright, sir, it's done, I won't laugh any more. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Take good care not to. Presently you must clean . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You must clean . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You must, I say, clean the room and . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: He, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Again! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: <i>(Falling down with laughter)</i> Then beat me sir, and let me + have my laugh out, it will do me more good. He, he, he, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'm furious. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Have mercy, sir! I beg you to let me laugh. He, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: If I catch you . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Sir! I shall burst . . . Oh! if I don't laugh. He, he, he! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: But did anyone ever see such a hussy as that, who + laughs in my face instead of receiving my, orders? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What would you have me do, sir? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That you consider getting my house ready for the + company that's coming soon, you hussy. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Ah, by my faith, I don't feel like laughing any more. All your + guests make such a disorder here that the word "company" is enough to + put me in a bad humor. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Why, should I shut my door to everyone for your sake? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: You should at least shut it to some people. + </p> + <p> + SCENE III <i>(Madame Jourdain, Monsieur Jourdain, Nicole, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Ah, ah! Here's a new story! What's this, what's this, + husband, this outfit you have on there? Don't you care what people think + of you when you are got up like that? And do you want yourself laughed + at everywhere? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: None but fools and dolts will laugh at me wife. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Truly, they haven't waited until now, your antics have + long given a laugh to everyone. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Who's everyone, if you please? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Everyone is everyone who is right and who is wiser than + you. For my part, I am scandalized at the life you lead. I no longer + recognize our house. One would say it's the beginning of Carnival here, + every day; and beginning early in the morning, so it won't be forgotten, + one hears nothing but the racket of fiddles and singers which disturbs + the whole neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Madame speaks well. I'll never be able to get my housework done + properly with that gang you have come here. They have feet that hunt for + mud in every part of town to bring it here; and poor Françoise + almost has her teeth on the floor, scrubbing the boards that your fine + masters come to dirty up every day. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What, our servant Nicole, you have quite a tongue for + a peasant. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Nicole is right, and she has more sense than you. I'd + like to know what you think you're going to do with a Dancing Master, at + your age? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: And with a hulking Fencing Master who comes stamping his feet, + shaking the whole house and tearing up all the floorboards in our + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be quiet, both servant and wife! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Is it that you're learning to dance for the time when + you'll have no legs to dance on? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Do you want to kill someone? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Quiet, I tell you! You are ignorant women, both of + you, and you don't know the advantages of all this. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: You should instead be thinking of marrying off your + daughter, who is of an age to be provided for. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'll think of marrying off my daughter when a + suitable match comes along, but I also want to learn about fine things. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I heard said, Madame, that today he took a Philosophy Master to + thicken the soup! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Very well. I have a wish to have wit and to reason + about things with decent people. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Don't you intend, one of these days, to go to school + and have yourself whipped at your age? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Why not? Would to God I were whipped this minute in + front of everyone, if I only knew what they learn at school! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Yes, my faith! That would get you into better shape. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Without doubt. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: All this is very important to the management of your + house. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Assuredly. You both talk like beasts, and I'm ashamed + of your ignorance. For example, do you know what are you speaking just + now? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes, I know that what I'm saying is well said and that + you ought to be considering living in another way. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'm not talking about that. I'm asking if you know + what the words are that you are saying here? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: They are words that are very sensible, and your conduct + is scarcely so. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'm not talking about that, I tell you. I'm asking + you: what is it that I'm speaking to you this minute, what is it? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Nonsense. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, no! That's not it. What is it we are both saying, + what language is it that we are speaking right now? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Well? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What is it called? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: It's called whatever you want. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's prose, you ignorant creature. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Prose? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, prose. Everything is prose that is not verse; + and everything that's not verse is prose. There! This is what it is to + study! And you <i>(to Nicole)</i>, do you know what you must do to say + U? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Say U, in order to see. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Oh Well, U. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What do you do? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I say U. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, but, when you say U, what do you do? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I do what you tell me to. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh, how strange it is to have to deal with morons! + You thrust your lips out and bring your lower jaw to your upper jaw: U, + see? U. Do you see? I make a pout: U. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Yes, that's beautiful. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: How admirable. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: But it's quite another thing, if you have seen O, and + D, D, and F, F. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What is all this rigmarole? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What does all this do for us? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It enrages me when I see these ignorant women. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Go, go, you ought to send all those people packing with + their foolishness. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: And above all, that great gawk of a Fencing Master, who ruins + all my work with dust. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Well! This Fencing Master seems to get under your + skin. I'll soon show you how impertinent you are<i>.(He has the</i> <i>foils + brought and gives one to Nicole).</i> There. Demonstration: The line of + the body. When your opponent thrusts in quarte, you need only do this, + and when they thrust in tierce, you need only do this. That is the way + never to be killed, and isn't it fine to be assured of what one does, + when fighting against someone? There, thrust at me a little, to see. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Well then, what? <i>(Nicole thrusts, giving him several</i> <i>hits).</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Easy! Wait! Oh! Gently! Devil take the hussy! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: You told me to thrust. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, but you thrust in tierce, before you thrust in + quarte, and you didn't have the patience to let me parry. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: You are a fool, husband, with all your fantasies, and + this has come to you since you took a notion to associate with the + nobility. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: When I associate with the nobility, I show my good + judgment; and that's better than associating with your shopkeepers. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Oh yes, truly! There's a great deal to gain by + consorting with your nobles, and you did so well with your fine Count + you were so taken with! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Peace! Think what you're saying. You know very well, + wife, that you don't know who you're talking about, when you talk about + him! He's a more important person than you think: a great Lord, + respected at court, and who talks to the King just as I talk to you. Is + it not a thing which does me great honor, that a person of this quality + is seen to come so often to my house, who calls me his dear friend and + treats me as if I were his equal? He has more regard for me than one + would ever imagine; and, in front of everyone, he shows me so much + affection that I am embarrassed myself. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes, he has a kindness for you, and shows his + affection, but he borrows your money. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: So! Isn't it an honor for me to lend money to a man + of that condition? And can I do less for a lord who calls me his dear + friend? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: And this lord, what does he do for you? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Things that would astonish you if you knew them. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Like what? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Blast! I cannot explain myself. It must suffice that + if I have lent him money, he'll pay it back fully, and before long. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes. You are waiting for that. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Assuredly. Didn't he tell me so? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes, yes, he won't fail to do it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: He swore it on the faith of a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Nonsense! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Well! You are very obstinate, wife. I tell you he + will keep his word, I'm sure of it. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: And I'm sure he will not, and that all his show of + affection is only to flatter you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be still. Here he is. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: That's all we needed! He's come again perhaps to borrow + something from you. The very sight of him spoils my appetite. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be still, I tell you. + </p> + <p> + SCENE IV <i>(Count Dorante, Monsieur Jourdain, Madame Jourdain, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: My dear friend, Monsieur Jourdain, how do you do? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Very well, sir, to render you my small services. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: And Madame Jourdain there, how is she? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Madame Jourdain is as well as she can be. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Well! Monsieur Jourdain, you are excellently well dressed! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You see. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You have a fine air in that suit, and we have no young men at + court who are better made than you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Well! well! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> He scratches him where it itches. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Turn around. It's positively elegant. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> Yes, as big a fool behind as in front. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: My faith, Monsieur Jourdain, I was strangely impatient to see + you. You are the man in the world I esteem most, and I was speaking of + you again this morning in the bedchamber of the King. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You do me great honor, sir. <i>(To Madame Jourdain)</i> + In the King's bedchamber! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Come, put on . . . + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Sir, I know the respect I owe you. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Heavens! Put on your hat; I pray you, no ceremony between us. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Sir . . . + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Put it on, I tell you, Monsieur Jourdain: you are my friend. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Sir, I am your humble servant. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I won't be covered if you won't. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Putting on his hat) </i>I would rather be uncivil + than troublesome. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I am in your debt, as you know. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes, we know it all too well. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You have generously lent me money upon several occasions, and + you have obliged me with the best grace in the world, assuredly. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Sir, you jest with me. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: But I know how to repay what is lent me, and to acknowledge the + favors rendered me. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I have no doubt of it, sir. + </p> + <p> + DoRANTE: I want to settle this matter with you, and I came here to make + up our accounts together. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There wife! You see your impertinence! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I am a man who likes to repay debts as soon as I can. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside to Madame Jourdain)</i> I told you so. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Let's see how much do I owe you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside to Madame Jourdain)</i> There you are, with + your ridiculous suspicions. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Do you remember well all the money you have lent me? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I believe so. I made a little note of it. Here it is. + Once you were given two hundred louis d'or. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: That's true. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Another time, six-score. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: And another time, a hundred and forty. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You're right. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: These three items make four hundred and sixty louis + d'or, which comes to five thousand sixty livres. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: The account is quite right. Five thousand sixty livres. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: One thousand eight hundred thirty-two livres to your + plume-maker. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Exactly. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Two thousand seven hundred eighty livres to your + tailor. + </p> + <p> + DoRANTE: It's true. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Four thousand three hundred seventy-nine livres + twelve sols eight deniers to your tradesman. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Quite right. Twelve sols eight deniers. The account is exact. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: And one thousand seven hundred forty-eight livres + seven sols four deniers to your saddler. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: All that is true. What does that come to? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Sum total, fifteen thousand eight hundred livres. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: The sum total is exact: fifteen thousand eight hundred livres. + To which add two hundred pistoles that you are going to give me, which + will make exactly eighteen thousand francs, which I shall pay you at the + first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> Well, didn't I predict it? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Peace! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Will that inconvenience you, to give me the amount I say? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh, no! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> That man is making a milk-cow out of + you! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be quiet! + </p> + <p> + DoRANTE: If that inconveniences you, I will seek it somewhere else. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: NO, Sir. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> He won't be content until he's ruined + you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Be quiet, I tell you. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You have only to tell me if that embarrasses you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Not at all, sir. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> He's a real wheedler! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Hush. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> He'll drain you to the last sou. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Will you be quiet? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I have a number of people who would gladly lend it to me; but + since you are my best friend, I believed I might do you wrong if I asked + someone else for it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's too great an honor, sir, that you do me. I'll go + get it for you. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> What! You're going to give it to him + again? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What can I do? Do you want me to refuse a man of this + station, who spoke about me this morning in the King's bedchamber? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Aside)</i> Go on, you're a true dupe. + </p> + <p> + SCENE V <i>(Dorante, Madame Jourdain, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You appear to be very melancholy. What is wrong, Madame + Jourdain? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I have a head bigger than my fist, even if it's not + swollen. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Mademoiselle, your daughter, where is she that I don't see her? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Mademoiselle my daughter is right where she is. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: How is she getting on? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: She "gets on" on her two legs. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Wouldn't you like to come with her one of these days to see the + ballet and the comedy they are putting on at court? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes truly, we have a great desire to laugh, a very + great desire to laugh. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I think, Madame Jourdain, that you must have had many admirers + in your youth, beautiful and good humored as you were. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: By Our Lady! Sir, is Madame Jourdain decrepit, and does + her head already shake with palsy? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Ah! My faith, Madame Jourdain, I beg pardon. I did not remember + that you are young. I am often distracted. Pray excuse my impertinence. + </p> + <p> + SCENE VI <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Madame Jourdain, Dorante, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There are two hundred louis d'or. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I assure you, Monsieur Jourdain, that I am completely yours, + and that I am eager to render you a service at court. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'm much obliged to you. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: If Madame Jourdain desires to see the royal entertainment, I + will have the best places in the ballroom given to her. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Madame Jourdain kisses your hands [but declines]. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: <i>(Aside to Monsieur Jourdain)</i> Our beautiful marchioness, + as I sent word to you, in my note, will come here soon for the ballet + and refreshments; I finally brought her to consent to the entertainment + you wish to give her. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Let us move a little farther away, for a certain + reason. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: It has been eight days since I saw you, and I have sent you no + news regarding the diamond you put into my hands to present to her on + your behalf; but it's because I had the greatest difficulty in + conquering her scruples, and it's only today that she resolved to accept + it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How did she judge it? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Marvelous. And I am greatly deceived if the beauty of that + diamond does not produce for you an admirable effect on her spirit. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Would to Heaven! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(To Nicole)</i> Once he's with him he cannot leave + him. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I made her value as she should the richness of that present and + the grandeur of your love. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: These are, sir, favors which overwhelm me; and I am + in the very greatest confusion at seeing a person of your quality demean + himself for me as you do. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Are you joking? Among friends, does one stop at these sorts of + scruples? And wouldn't you do the same thing for me, if the occasion + offered? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh! Certainly, and with all my heart. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(To Nicole)</i> His presence weighs me down! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: As for me, I never mind anything when it is necessary to serve + a friend; and when you confided in me about the ardent passion you have + formed for that delightful marchioness with whom I have contacts, you + saw that I volunteered immediately to assist your love. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's true, these are favors that confound me. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(To Nicole)</i> Will he never go? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: They enjoy being together. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You took the right tack to touch her heart. Women love above + all the expenses we go to for them; and your frequent serenades, your + continual bouquets, that superb fireworks for her over the water, the + diamond she has received from you, and the entertainment you are + preparing for her, all this speaks much better in favor of your love + than all the words you might have spoken yourself. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There are no expenditures I would not make if by that + means I might find the road to her heart. A woman of quality has + ravishing charms for me and it's an honor I would purchase at any price. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(To Nicole)</i> What can they talk about so much? + Steal over and listen a little. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Soon enough you will enjoy at your ease the pleasure of seeing + her, and your eyes will have a long time to satisfy themselves. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: To be completely free, I have arranged for my wife to + go to dinner at her sister's, where she'll spend all the after-dinner + hours. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You have done prudently, as your wife might have embarrassed + us. I have given the necessary orders to the cook for you, and for the + ballet. It is of my own invention; and, provided the execution + corresponds to the idea, I am sure it will be found . . . + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN<i>: (Sees that Nicole is listening, and gives her a</i> + <i>slap)</i> Say! You're very impertinent! <i>(To Dorante)</i> Let's go, + if you please. + </p> + <p> + SCENE VII <i>(Madame Jourdain, Nicole)</i> <i> </i> + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: My faith, Madame, curiosity has cost me; but I believe + something's afoot, since they were talking of some event where they did + not want you to be. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Today's not the first time, Nicole, that I've had + suspicions about my husband. I'm the most mistaken woman in the world, + or there's some love-affair in the making. But let us see to my + daughter. You know the love Cléonte has for her. He's a man who + appeals to me, and I want to help his suit and give him Lucile, if I + can. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Truly, Madame, I'm the most delighted creature in the world to + see that you feel this way, since, if the master appeals to you, his + valet appeals to me no less, and I could wish our marriage made under + the shadow of theirs. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Go speak to Cléonte about it for me, and tell + him to come to me soon so we can present his request to my husband for + my daughter in marriage. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I hasten, Madame, with joy, for I could not receive a more + agreeable commission. <i>(Alone)</i> I shall, I think, make them very + happy. + </p> + <p> + SCENE VIII <i>(Cléonte, Covielle, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Ah! I'm glad to have found you. I'm an ambassadress of joy, and + I come . . . + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Get out, traitor, and don't come to amuse me with your + treacherous words. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Is this how you receive me . . . + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Get out, I tell you, and go tell your faithless mistress + that she will never again in her life deceive the too trusting Cléonte. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What caprice is this? My dear Covielle, explain a little what + you are trying to say. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Your dear Covielle, little hussy? Go, quickly, out of my + sight, villainess , and leave me in peace. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What! You come to me too. . . + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Out of my sight, I tell you, and never speak to me again. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: My word! What fly has bitten those two? Let's go tell this + pretty story to my mistress. + </p> + <p> + SCENE IX <i>(Cléonte, Covielle)</i> + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What! Treat a lover in this way? And a lover who is the + most faithful and passionate of lovers? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: It is a frightful thing that they have done to us both. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: I show a woman all the ardor and tenderness that can be + imagined; I love nothing in the world but her, and I have nothing but + her in my thoughts; she is all I care for, all my desire, all my joy; I + talk of nothing but her, I think of nothing but her, I have no dreams + but of her, I breathe only because of her, my heart lives wholly in her; + and see how so much love is well repaid! I have been two days without + seeing her, which are for me two frightful centuries; I meet her by + chance; my heart, at that sight, is completely transported, my joy + shines on my face; I fly with ecstasy towards her -- and the faithless + one averts her eyes and hurries by as if she had never seen me in her + life! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I say the same things as you. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Covielle, can one see anything to equal this perfidy of + the ungrateful Lucile? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: And that, Monsieur, of the treacherous Nicole? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: After so many ardent homages, sighs, and vows that I + have made to her charms! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: After so many assiduous compliments, cares, and services that + I rendered her in the kitchen! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: So many tears I have shed at her knees! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: So many buckets of water I have drawn for her! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: So much passion I have shown her in loving her more than + myself! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: So much heat I have endured in turning the spit for her! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: She flies from me in disdain! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She turns her back on me! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: It is perfidy worthy of the greatest punishments. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: It is treachery that merits a thousand slaps. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Don't think, I beg you, of ever speaking in her favor to + me. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I, sir? God forbid! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Never come to excuse the action of this faithless woman. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Have no fear. + </p> + <p> + CLEONTE; No, you see, all your speeches in her defense will serve no + purpose. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Who even thinks of that? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: I want to conserve my resentment against her and end all + contact with her. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I agree. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: This Count who goes to her house is perhaps pleasant in + her view; and her mind, I well see, allows itself to be dazzled by + social standing. But it is necessary for me, for my honor, to prevent + the scandal of her inconstancy. I want to break off with her first and + not leave her all the glory of dumping me. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: That's very well said, and I agree, for my part, with all your + feelings. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Strengthen my resentment and aid my resolve against all + the remains of love that could speak in her behalf. Tell me, I order + you, all the bad you can of her; make for me a painting of her that will + render her despicable; and show well, in order to disgust me, all the + faults that you can see in her. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Her, sir? There's a pretty fool, a well made flirt for you to + give so much love! I see only mediocrity in her, and you will find a + hundred women who will be more worthy of you. First of all, she has + small eyes. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: That's true, she has small eyes; but they are full of + fire, the brightest, the keenest in the world, the most touching eyes + that one can see. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She has a big mouth. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Yes; but upon it one sees grace that one never sees on + other mouths; and the sight of that mouth, which is the most attractive, + the most amorous in the world, inspires desire. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: As for her figure, she's not tall. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: No, but she is graceful and well made. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She affects a nonchalance in her speech and in her actions. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: That's true; but she may be forgiven all that, for her + manners are so engaging, they have an irresistible charm. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: As to her wit . . . + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Ah! She has that, Covielle, the finest, the most + delicate! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Her conversation . . . + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Her conversation is charming. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She is always serious . . . + </p> + <p> + CLEONTE; Would you have grinning playfulness, constant open merriment? + And do you see anything more impertinent than those women who laugh all + the time? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: But finally she is as capricious as any woman in the world. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Yes, she is capricious, I concede; but everything + becomes beautiful ladies well, one suffers everything for beauty. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I see clearly how it goes, you want to go on loving her. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Me, I'd like better to die; and I am going to hate her + as much as I loved her. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: How, if you find her so perfect? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: That's how my vengeance will be more striking, in that + way I'll show better the strength of my heart, by hating her, by + quitting her, with all her beauty, all her charms, and as lovable as I + find her. Here she is. + </p> + <p> + SCENE X <i>(Cléonte, Lucile, Covielle, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: For my part, I was completely shocked at it. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: It can only be, Nicole, what I told you. But there he is. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: I don't even want to speak to her. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I'll imitate you. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: What's the matter Cléonte? What's wrong with you? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What's the matter with you, Covielle? + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: What grief possesses you? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: What bad humor holds you? + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Are you mute, Cléonte? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Have you lost your voice, Covielle? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Is this not villainous! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: It's a Judas! + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: I clearly see that our recent meeting has troubled you. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Ah! Ah! She sees what she's done. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Our greeting this morning has annoyed you. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She has guessed the problem. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Isn't it true, Cléonte, that this is the cause of your + resentment? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Yes, perfidious one, it is, since I must speak; and I + must tell that you shall not triumph in your faithlessness as you think, + I want to be the first to break with you, and you won't have the + advantage of driving me away. I will have difficulty in conquering the + love I have for you; it will cause me pain; I will suffer for a while. + But I'll come through it, and I would rather stab myself through the + heart than have the weakness to return to you. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Me too. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: What an uproar over nothing. I want to tell you, Cléonte, + what made me avoid joining you this morning. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: No, I don't want to listen to anything . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I want to tell you what made us pass so quickly. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I don't want to hear anything. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: <i>(Following Cléonte)</i> Know that this morning . . . + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: No, I tell you. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: <i>(Following Covielle)</i> Learn that . . . + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: No, traitor. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Listen. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: I won't listen. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Let me speak. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I'm deaf. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Cléonte! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: No. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Covielle! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I won't listen. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Stop. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Gibberish! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Listen to me. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Rubbish! + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: One moment. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Never. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: A little patience. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Not interested! + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Two words. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: No, you've had them. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: One word. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: No more talking. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Alright! Since you don't want to listen to me, think what you + like, and do what you want. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Since you act like that, make whatever you like of it all. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Let us know the reason, then, for such a fine reception. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: It no longer pleases me to say. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Let us know something of your story. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: I, myself, no longer want to tell you. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Tell me . . . + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: No, I don't want to say anything. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Tell it . . . + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: No, I'll tell nothing. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: For pity . . . + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: No, I say. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Have mercy. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: It's no use. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: I beg you. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Leave me . . . + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I plead with you. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Get out of here. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Lucile! + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: No. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Nicole! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Never. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: In the name of God! . . . + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: I don't want to. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Talk to me. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Definitely not. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Clear up my doubts. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: No, I'll do nothing. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Relieve my mind! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: No, I don't care to. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Alright! since you are so little concerned to take me + out of my pain and to justify yourself for the shameful treatment you + gave to my passion, you are seeing me, ingrate, for the last time, and I + am going far from you to die of sorrow and love. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: And I -- I will follow in his steps. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Cléonte! + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: Covielle! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes? + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Where are you going? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Where I told you. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: We are going to die. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: You are going to die, Cléonte? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Yes, cruel one, since you wish it. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Me! I wish you to die? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Yes, you wish it. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Who told you that? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Is it not wishing it when you don't wish to clear up my + suspicions? + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Is it my fault? And, if you had wished to listen to me, would I + not have told you that the incident you complain of was caused this + morning by the presence of an old aunt who insists that the mere + approach of a man dishonors a woman -- an aunt who constantly delivers + sermons to us on this text, and tells us that all men are like devils we + must flee? + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: There's the key to the entire affair. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Are you sure you're not deceiving me, Lucile? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Aren't you making this up? + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: There's nothing more true. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: It's the absolute truth. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Are we going to give in to this? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Ah! Lucile, how with a word from your lips you are able + to appease the things in my heart, and how easily one allows himself to + be persuaded by the people one loves! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: How easily we are manipulated by these blasted minxes! + </p> + <p> + SCENE XI <i>(Madame Jourdain, Cléonte, Lucile, Covielle, Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I am very glad to see you, Cléonte and you are + here at just the right time. My husband is coming, seize the opportunity + to ask for Lucile in marriage. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Ah! Madame, how sweet that word is to me, and how it + flatters my desires! Could I receive an order more charming, a favor + more precious? + </p> + <p> + SCENE XII <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Madame Jourdain, Cléonte, + Lucile, Covielle,</i> <i>Nicole)</i> + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Sir, I did not want to use anyone to make a request of + you that I have long considered. It affects me enough for me to take + charge of it myself; and, without further ado, I will say to you that + the honor of being your son-in-law is a glorious favor that I beg you to + grant me. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Before giving you a reply, sir, I beg to ask if you + are a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: Sir, most people don't hesitate much over this question. + They use the word carelessly. They take the name without scruple, and + the usage of today seems to validate the theft. As for me, I confess to + you, I have a little more delicate feelings on this matter. I find all + imposture undignified for an honest man, and that there is cowardice in + disguising what Heaven made us at birth; to present ourselves to the + eyes of the world with a stolen title; to wish to give a false + impression. I was born of parents who, without doubt, held honorable + positions. I have six years of service in the army, and I find myself + established well enough to maintain a tolerable rank in the world; but + despite all that I certainly have no wish to give myself a name to which + others in my place might believe they could pretend, and I will tell you + frankly that I am not a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Shake hands, Sir! My daughter is not for you. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You are not a gentleman. You will not have my + daughter. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What are you trying to say with your talk of gentleman? + Are we ourselves of the line of St. Louis? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Quiet, wife, I see what you are up to. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Aren't we both descended from good bourgeois families? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There's that hateful word! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: And wasn't your father a merchant just like mine? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Plague take the woman! She never fails to do this! If + your father was a merchant, so much the worse for him! But, as for mine, + those who say that are misinformed. All that I have to say to you is, + that I want a gentleman for a son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: It's necessary for your daughter to have a husband who + is worthy of her, and it's better for her to have an honest rich man who + is well made than an impoverished gentleman who is badly built. + </p> + <p> + NICOLE: That's true. We have the son of a gentleman in our village who + is the most ill formed and the greatest fool I have ever seen. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Hold your impertinent tongue! You always butt into + the conversation. I have enough money for my daughter, I need only + honor, and I want to make her a marchioness. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: A marchioness? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, marchioness. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Alas! God save me from it! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: It's a thing I have resolved. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: As for me, it's a thing I'll never consent to. + Marriages above one's station are always subject to great + inconveniences. I have absolutely no wish for a son-in-law who can + reproach her parents to my daughter, and I don't want her to have + children who will be ashamed to call me their grandmother. If she + arrives to visit me in the equipage of a great lady and if she fails, by + mischance, to greet someone of the neighborhood, they wouldn't fail + immediately to say a hundred stupidities. "Do you see," they would say, + "this madam marchioness who gives herself such glorious airs? It's the + daughter of Monsieur Jourdain, who was all too glad, when she was + little, to play house with us; she's not always been so haughty as she + now is; and her two grandfathers sold cloth near St. Innocent's Gate. + They amassed wealth for their children, they're paying dearly perhaps + for it now in the other world, and one can scarcely get that rich by + being honest." I certainly don't want all that gossip, and I want, in a + word, a man who will be obliged to me for my daughter and to whom I can + say, "Sit down there, my son-in-law, and have dinner with me." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Surely those are the sentiments of a little spirit, + to want to remain always in a base condition. Don't talk back to me: my + daughter will be a marchioness in spite of everyone. And, if you make me + angrier, I'll make a duchess of her. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Cléonte, don't lose courage yet. Follow me, my + daughter, and tell your father resolutely that, if you can't have him, + you don't want to marry anyone. + </p> + <p> + SCENE XIII <i>(Cléonte, Covielle)</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: You've made a fine business, with your pretty sentiments. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What do you want? I have a scruple about that which + precedent cannot conquer. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Don't you make a fool of yourself by taking it seriously with + a man like that? Don't you see that he is a fool? And would it cost you + anything to accommodate yourself to his fantasies? + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: You're right. But I didn't believe it necessary to prove + nobility in order to be Monsieur Jourdain's son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What are you laughing at? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: At a thought that just occurred to me of how to play our man a + trick and help you obtain what you desire. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: How? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: The idea is really funny. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: What is it? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: A short time ago there was a certain masquerade which fits + here better than anything, and that I intend to make part of a prank I + want to play on our fool. It all seems a little phony; but, with him, + one can try anything, there is hardly any reason to be subtle, and he is + the man to play his role marvelously and to swallow easily any + fabrication we want to tell him. I have the actors, I have the costumes + ready, just leave it to me. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: But tell me . . . + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I am going to instruct you in everything. Let's go, there he + is, returning. + </p> + <p> + SCENE XIV <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Lackey)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What the devil is this? They have nothing other than + the great lords to reproach me with, and as for me, I see nothing so + fine as to associate with the great lords; there is only honor and + civility among them, and I would have given two fingers of a hand to + have been born a count or a marquis. + </p> + <p> + LACKEY: Sir, here's the Count, and he has a lady with him. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What! My Goodness, I have some orders to give. Tell + them I'll be back here soon. + </p> + <p> + SCENE XV <i>(Dorimène, Dorante, Lackey)</i> + </p> + <p> + LACKEY: Monsieur says that he'll be here very soon. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: That's fine. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I don't know, Dorante; I feel strange allowing you to + bring me to this house where I know no one. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Then where would you like, Madame, for me to express my love + with an entertainment, since you will allow neither your house nor mine + for fear of scandal? + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: But you don't mention that every day I am gradually + preparing myself to receive too great proofs of your passion? As good a + defense as I have put up, you wear down my resistance, and you have a + polite persistence which makes me come gently to whatever you like. The + frequent visits began, declarations followed, after them came serenades + and amusements in their train, and presents followed them. I withstood + all that, but you don't give up at all and step by step you are + overcoming my resolve. As for me, I can no longer answer for anything, + and I believe that in the end you will bring me to marriage, which I + have so far avoided. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: My faith! Madame, you should already have come to it. You are a + widow, and you answer only to yourself. I am my own master and I love + you more than my life. Why shouldn't you be all my happiness from today + onward? + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Goodness! Dorante, for two people to live happily + together both of them need particular qualities; and two of the most + reasonable persons in the world often have trouble making a union + satisfactory to them both. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You're fooling yourself, Madame, to imagine so many + difficulties, and the experience you had with one marriage doesn't + determine anything for others. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Finally I always come back to this. The expenses that I + see you go to for me disturb me for two reasons: one is that they get me + more involved than I would like; and the other is that I am sure -- + meaning no offense -- that you cannot do this without financially + inconveniencing yourself, and I certainly don't want that. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Ah! Madame, they are trifles, and it isn't by that . . . + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I know what I'm talking about; and among other gifts, + the diamond you forced me to take is worth ... + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Oh! Madame, mercy, don't put any value on a thing that my love + finds unworthy of you, and allow ... Here's the master of the house. + </p> + <p> + SCENE XVI <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Dorimène, Dorante, Lackey)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(After having made two bows, finding himself too</i> + <i>near Dorimène) </i>A little farther, Madame. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: What? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: One step, if you please. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: What is it? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Step back a little for the third. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Madame, Monsieur Jourdain is very knowledgeable. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Madame, it is a very great honor to me to be + fortunate enough to be so happy as to have the joy that you should have + had the goodness to accord me the graciousness of doing me the honor of + honoring me with the favor of your presence; and, if I also had the + merit to merit a merit such as yours, and if Heaven . . . envious of my + luck . . . should have accorded me . . . the advantage of seeing me + worthy . . . of the . . . + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Monsieur Jourdain, that is enough. Madame doesn't like grand + compliments, and she knows that you are a man of wit<i>. (Aside</i> <i>to + Dorimène)</i> As you can see, this good bourgeois is ridiculous + enough in all his manners. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: It isn't difficult to see it. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Madame, he is the best of my friends. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You do me too much honor. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: A completely gallant man. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I have great esteem for him. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I have done nothing yet, Madame, to merit this favor. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: <i>(Aside to Monsieur Jourdain)</i> Take care, nonetheless, to + say absolutely nothing to her about the diamond that you gave her. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Can't I even ask her how she likes it? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What? Take care that you don't. That would be loutish of you; + and, to act as a gallant man, you must act as though it were not you who + made her this present. <i>(Aloud)</i> Monsieur Jourdain, Madame, says he + is delighted to see you in his home. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: He honors me greatly. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: How obliged I am to you, sir, for speaking thus to + her for me! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I have had frightful trouble getting her to come here. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I don't know how to thank you enough. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: He says, Madame, that he finds you the most beautiful woman in + the world. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: He does me a great favor. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Madame, it is you who does the favors, and . . . + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Let's consider eating. + </p> + <p> + LACKEY: Everything is ready, sir. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Come then let us sit at the table. And bring on the musicians. + <i>(Six cooks, who have prepared the feast, dance together</i> <i>and + make the third interlude; after which, they carry in a table</i> <i>covered + with many dishes.)</i> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <br /><a name="linkact4" id="linkact4"></a> <br /> + <h2> + ACT FOUR + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I <i>(Dorimène, Monsieur Jourdain, Dorante, two Male + Musicians,</i> <i>a Female Musician, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Why, Dorante, that is really a magnificent repast! + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You jest, Madame; I wish it were worthy of being + offered to you. <i>(All sit at the table).</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Monsieur Jourdain is right, Madame, to speak so, and he obliges + me by making you so welcome. I agree with him that the repast is not + worthy of you. Since it was I who ordered it, and since I do not have + the accomplishments of our friends in this matter, you do not have here + a very sophisticated meal, and you will find some incongruities in the + combinations and some + </p> + <p> + barbarities of taste. If Damis, our friend, had been involved, + everything would have been according to the rules; everything would have + been elegant and appropriate, and he would not have failed to impress + upon you the significance of all the dishes of the repast, and to make + you see his expertise when it comes to good food; he would have told you + about hearth-baked bread, with its golden brown crust, crunching + tenderly between the teeth; of a smooth, full-bodied wine, fortified + with a piquancy not too strong, of a loin of mutton improved with + parsley, of a cut of specially-raised veal as long as this, white and + delicate, and which is like an almond paste between the teeth, of + partridges complimented by a surprisingly flavorful sauce, and, for his + masterpiece, a soup accompanied by a fat young turkey surrounded by + pigeons and crowned with white onions mixed with chicory. But, as for + me, I declare my ignorance; and, as Monsieur Jourdain has said so well, + I only wish that the repast were more worthy of being offered to you. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I reply to this compliment only by eating. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! What beautiful hands! + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: The hands are mediocre, Monsieur Jourdain; but you wish + to speak of the diamond, which is very beautiful. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Me, Madame? God forbid that I should wish to speak of + it; that would not be acting gallantly, and the diamond is a very small + thing. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: You are very particular. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You are too kind. . . + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Let's have some wine for Monsieur Jourdain and for these + gentlemen and ladies who are going to favor us with a drinking song. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: It is marvelous to season good food, by mixing it with + music, and I see I am being admirably entertained. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Madame, it isn't . . + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Monsieur Jourdain, let us remain silent for these gentlemen and + ladies; what they have for us to hear is of more value than anything we + could say. <i>(The male singers and the woman</i> <i>singer take the + glasses, sing two drinking songs, and are</i> <i>accompanied by all the + instrumental ensemble.)</i> + </p> + <p> + FIRST DRINKING SONG + </p> + <p> + <i>Drink a little, Phyllis, to start the glass round.</i> <i>Ah! A glass + in your hands is charmingly agreeable!</i> <i>You and the wine arm each + other,</i> <i>And I redouble my love for you both</i> <i>Let us three -- + wine, you, and me --</i> <i>Swear, my beauty, to an eternal passion.</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>Your lips are made yet more attractive by wetting with wine!</i> <i>Ah! + The one and the other inspire me with desire</i> <i>And both you and it + intoxicate me</i> <i>Let us three -- wine, you, and me --</i> <i>Swear, + my beauty, to an eternal passion.</i> <i> </i> + </p> + <p> + SECOND DRINKING SONG + </p> + <p> + <i>Let us drink, dear friends, let us drink;</i> <i>Time that flies + beckons us to it!</i> <i>Let us profit from life as much as we can.</i> + <i>Once we pass under the black shadow,</i> <i>Goodbye to wine, our + loves;</i> <i>Let us drink while we can,</i> <i>One cannot drink + forever.</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>Let fools speculate</i> <i>On the true happiness of life.</i> <i>Our + philosophy</i> <i>Puts it among the wine-pots.</i> <i>Possessions, + knowledge and glory</i> <i>Hardly make us forget troubling cares,</i> <i>And + it is only with good drink</i> <i>That one can be happy.</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>Come on then, wine for all, pour, boys, pour,</i> <i>Pour, keep on + pouring, until they say, "Enough."</i> + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I don't believe it's possible to sing better, and that + is positively beautiful. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I see something here, Madame, yet more beautiful. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Aha! Monsieur Jourdain is more gallant than I thought. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What! Madame, what did you take Monsieur Jourdain for? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I would like for her to take me at my word. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Again! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You don't know him. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: She may know me whenever it pleases her. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: Oh! I am overwhelmed. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: He is a man who is always ready with a repartee. But don't you + see that Monsieur Jourdain, Madame, eats all the pieces of food you have + touched? + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I am captivated by Monsieur Jourdain . . . + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: If I could captivate your heart, I would be . . . + </p> + <p> + SCENE II <i>(Madame Jourdain, Monsieur Jourdain, Dorimène, + Dorante,</i> <i>Musicians, Lackeys)</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Aha! I find good company here, and I see that I was not + expected. Was it for this pretty affair, Monsieur Husband, that you were + so eager to send me to dinner at my sister's? I just saw stage + decorations downstairs, and here I see a banquet fit for a wedding. That + is how you spend your money, and this is how you entertain the ladies in + my absence, and you give them music and entertainment while sending me + on my way. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What are you saying, Madame Jourdain? And what fantasies are + you getting into your head that your husband spends his money, and that + it is he who is giving this entertainment to Madame? Please know that it + is I; that he only lends me his house, and that you ought to think more + about the things you say. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, what impertinence. It is the Count who presents + all this to Madame, who is a person of quality. He does me the honor of + using my house and of wishing me to be with him. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: All that's nonsense. I know what I know. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Come Madame Jourdain, put on better glasses. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I don't need glasses, sir, I see well enough; I have + had suspicions for a long time, and I'm not a fool. This is very low of + you, of a great lord, to lend a hand as you do to the follies of my + husband. And you, Madame, for a great lady, it is neither fine nor + honest of you to cause dissension in a household and to allow my husband + to be in love with you. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: What is she trying to say with all this? Goodness + Dorante! You have outdone yourself by exposing me to the absurd + fantasies of this ridiculous woman. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Madame, wait! Madame, where are you going? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Madame! Monsieur Count, make excuses to her and try + to bring her back. Ah! You impertinent creature, this is a fine way to + act! You come and insult me in front of everybody, and you drive from me + people of quality. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I laugh at their quality. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I don't know who holds me back, evil creature, from + breaking your head with the remains of the repast you came to disrupt. + <i>(The table is removed).</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: <i>(Leaving)</i> I'm not concerned. These are my rights + that I defend, and I'll have all wives on my side. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You do well to avoid my rage. She arrived very + inopportunely. I was in the mood to say pretty things, and I had never + felt so witty. What's that? + </p> + <p> + SCENE III <i>(Covielle, disguised; Monsieur Jourdain, Lackey)</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Sir, I don't know if I have the honor to be known to you? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, sir. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I saw you when you were no taller than that. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Me? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. You were the most beautiful child in the world, and all + the ladies took you in their arms to kiss you. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: To kiss me? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes, I was a great friend of your late father. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Of my late father? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. He was a very honorable gentleman. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What did you say? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I said that he was a very honorable gentleman. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: My father? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You knew him very well? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Assuredly. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: And you knew him as a gentleman? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Without doubt. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Then I don't know what is going on! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: What? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There are some fools who want to tell me that he was + a tradesman. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Him, a tradesman! It's pure slander, he never was one. All + that he did was to be very obliging, very ready to help; and, since he + was a connoisseur in cloth, he went all over to choose them, had them + brought to his house, and gave them to his friends for money. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I'm delighted to know you, so you can testify to the + fact that my father was a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I'll attest to it before all the world. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You'll oblige me. What business brings you here? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Since knowing your late father, honorable gentleman, as I told + you, I have traveled through all the world. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Through all the world! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I imagine it's a long way from here to there. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Assuredly. I returned from all my long voyages only four days + ago; and because of the interest I take in all that concerns you, I come + to announce to you the best news in the world. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: You know that the son of the Grand Turk is here? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Me? No. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: What! He has a very magnificent retinue; everybody goes to see + it, and he has been received in this country as an important lord. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: By my faith! I didn't know that. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: The advantage to you in this is that he is in love with your + daughter. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The son of the Grand Turk? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. And he wants to be your son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: My son-in-law, the son of the Grand Turk? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: The son of the Grand Turk your son-in-law. As I went to see + him, and as I perfectly understand his language, he conversed with me; + and, after some other discourse, he said to me<i>, "Acciam</i> <i>croc + soler ouch alla moustaph gidelum amanahem varahini oussere</i> <i>carbulath,"</i> + that is to say, "Haven't you seen a beautiful young person who is the + daughter of Monsieur Jourdain, gentleman of Paris?" + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The son of the Grand Turk said that of me? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. Inasmuch as I told him in reply that I knew you + particularly well and that I had seen your daughter: <i>"Ah!"</i> he + said to me, <i>"marababa sahem;"</i> Which is to say, "Ah, how I am + enamored of her!" + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN<i>: "Marababa sahem"</i> means "Ah, how I am enamored + of her"? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: By my faith, you do well to tell me, since, as for + me, I would never have believed that <i>"marababa sahem"</i> could have + meant to say "Oh, how I am enamored of her!" What an admirable language + Turkish is! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: More admirable than one can believe. Do you know what <i>Cacaracamouchen</i> + means? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Cacaracamouchen?</i> No. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: It means: It means, "My dear soul." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Cacaracamouchen</i> means "My dear soul?" + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That's marvelous! <i>Cacaracamouchen</i>, my dear + soul. Who would have thought? I'm dumbfounded. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Finally, to complete my assignment, he comes to ask for your + daughter in marriage; and in order to have a father-in-law who should be + worthy of him, he wants to make you a <i>Mamamouchi</i>, which is a + certain high rank in his country. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Mamamouchi?'</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes, <i>Mamamouchi</i>; that is to say, in our language, a + Paladin. Paladin is one of those ancient . . . Well, Paladin! There is + none nobler than that in the world, and you will be equal to the + greatest lords of the earth. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The son of the Grand Turk honors me greatly. Please + take me to him in order to express my thanks. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: What! He is going to come here. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: He's coming here? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes. And he is bringing everything for the ceremony of + bestowing your rank. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That seems very quick. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: His love can suffer no delay. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: All that embarrasses me here is that my daughter is a + stubborn one who has gotten into her head a certain Cleonte, and she + swears she'll marry no one but him. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: She'll change her mind when she sees the son of the Grand + Turk; and then there is a remarkable coincidence here, it is that the + son of the Grand Turk resembles this Cléonte very closely. I just + saw him, someone showed him to me; and the love she has for the one can + easily pass to the other, and . . . I hear him coming. There he is. + </p> + <p> + SCENE IV <i>(Cléonte, as a Turk, with three Pages carrying his + outer</i> <i>clothes, Monsieur Jourdain, Covielle, disguised.)</i> + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: <i>Ambousahim oqui boraf, Iordina, salamalequi.</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: That is to say: "Monsieur Jourdain, may your heart be all the + year like a flowering rosebush." This is the way of speaking politely in + those countries. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I am the most humble servant of His Turkish Highness. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE:<i> Carigar camboto oustin moraf .</i> + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: <i>Oustin yoc catamalequi basum base alla moran.</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: He says: "Heaven gives you the strength of lions and the + wisdom of serpents." + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: His Turkish Highness honors me too much, and I wish + him all sorts of good fortune. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: <i>Ossa binamen sadoc babally oracaf ouram.</i> + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: <i>Bel-men</i>. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: He says that you should go with him quickly to prepare + yourself for the ceremony; then you can see your daughter and conclude + the marriage. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: So many things in two words? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Yes; the Turkish language is like that, it says much in few + words. Go quickly where he wants. + </p> + <p> + SCENE V <i>(Dorante, Covielle)</i> + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Ha, ha, ha! My faith, that was hilarious. What a dupe! If he + had learned his role by heart, he could not have played it better. Ah! + Ah! Excuse me, Sir, Wouldn't you like to help us here in an affair that + is taking place. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Ah! Ah! Covielle, who would have recognized you? How you are + made up! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: You see, ha, ha! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What are you laughing at? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: At a thing, Sir, that well deserves it. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I'll give you many chances, Sir, to guess the stratagem we are + using on Monsieur Jourdain to get him to give his daughter to my master. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: I can't begin to guess the stratagem, but I guess it will not + fail in its effect, since you are undertaking it. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: I see, Sir, that you know me too well. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Tell me what it is. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Come over here a little to make room for what I see coming. + You can see part of the story, while I tell you the rest. + </p> + <p> + <i>(The Turkish ceremony for ennobling Monsieur Jourdain is performed</i> + <i>in dance and music, and comprises the Fourth Interlude.) [The</i> <i>ceremony + is a burlesque full of comic gibberish in pseudo-Turkish</i> <i>and + nonsensical French, in which Monsieur Jourdain is made to appear</i> <i>ludicrous + and during which he is outfitted with an extravagant costume,</i> <i>turban, + and sword.]</i> <i> </i> <i> </i> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <br /><a name="linkact5" id="linkact5"></a> <br /> + <h2> + ACT FIVE + </h2> + <p> + SCENE I <i>(Madame Jourdaine, Monsieur Jourdain)</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Ah, My God! Mercy! What is all of this? What a + spectacle! Are you dressed for a masquerade, and is this a time to go + masked? Speak then, what is this? Who has bundled you up like that? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: See the impertinent woman, to speak in this way to a + <i>Mamamouchi</i>! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: How's that? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, you must show me respect now, as I've just been + made a <i>Mamamouchi</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What are you trying to say with your <i>Mamamouchi</i>? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Mamamouchi</i>, I tell you. I'm a Mamamouchi. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What animal is that? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Mamamouchi</i>, that is to say, in our language, + Paladin. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Baladin! Are you of an age to dance in ballets? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What an ignorant woman! I said Paladin. It's a + dignity which has just been bestowed upon me in a ceremony. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What ceremony then? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Mahometa-per-Jordina</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What does that mean? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Jordina</i>, that is to say, Jourdain. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Very well, what of Jourdain? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Voler far un Paladina de Jordina</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Dar turbanta con galera</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Which is to say what? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Per deffender Palestina</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What are you trying to say? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Dara, dara, bastonnara</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What jargon is this? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>Non tener honta, questa star l'ultima affronta</i>. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What in the world is all that? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Dancing and singing). Hou la ba, Ba la chou, ba</i> + <i>la ba, ba la da.</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Alas! Oh Lord, my husband has gone mad. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(Leaving)</i> Peace, insolent woman! Show respect + to the Monsieur Mamamouchi. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Has he lost his mind? I must hurry to stop him from + going out. Ah! Ah! This is the last straw! I see nothing but shame on + all sides. + </p> + <p> + <i>(She leaves.)</i> <i> </i> + </p> + <p> + SCENE II <i>(Dorante, Dorimène)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Yes, Madame, you are going to see the most amusing thing + imaginable. I don't believe it would be possible to find in all the + world another man as crazy as that one is. And then too, Madame, we must + try to help Cléonte's plan by supporting his masquerade. He's a + very gallant man and deserves our help. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I think highly of him and he deserves happiness. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Besides that, we have here, Madame, another ballet performance + that we shouldn't miss, and I want to see if my idea will succeed. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I saw magnificent preparations, and I can no longer + permit this Dorante. Yes, I finally want to end your extravagances and + to stop all these expenses that I see you go to for me, I have decided + to marry you right away. This is the truth of it, that all these sorts + of things end with marriage, as you know. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Ah! Madame, is it possible that you should have taken such a + sweet decision in my favor? + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: It is only to impede you from ruining yourself; without + that, I see very well that before long you would not have a penny. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: How obliged I am to you, Madame, for the care you have to + conserve my money! It is entirely yours, as well as my heart, and you + may use them in whatever fashion you please. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I'll make use of them both. But here is your man: his + costume is wonderful. + </p> + <p> + SCENE III <i>(Monsieur Jourdain, Dorante, Dorimène)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Sir, we come to pay homage, Madame and I, to your new dignity, + and to rejoice with you at the marriage between your daughter and the + son of the Grand Turk. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: <i>(After bowing in the Turkish way)</i> Sir, I wish + you the strength of serpents and the wisdom of lions. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: I was very glad, Sir, to be among the first to come to + congratulate you upon rising to such a high degree of honor. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Madame, I wish your rosebush to flower all year long; + I am infinitely obliged to you for taking part in the honors bestowed + upon me; and I am very happy to see you returned here, so I can make + very humble excuses for the ridiculous behavior of my wife. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: That's nothing. I excuse her jumping to conclusions: + your heart must be precious to her, and it isn't strange that the + possession of such a man as you should inspire some jealousy. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: The possession of my heart is a thing that has been + entirely gained by you. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: You see, Madame, that Monsieur Jourdain is not one of those men + that good fortune blinds, and that he still knows, even in his glory, + how to recognize his friends. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: It is the mark of a completely generous soul. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Where then is His Turkish Highness? We want, as your friends, + to pay him our respects. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There he comes, and I have sent for my daughter in + order to give him her hand. + </p> + <p> + SCENE IV <i>(Cléonte, Covielle, Monsieur Jourdain, etc.)</i> + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Sir, we come to bow to Your Highness as friends of the + gentleman who is your father-in-law, and to assure you with respect of + our very humble services. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Where's the interpreter to tell him who you are and + to make him understand what you say? You will see that he will reply, + and that he speaks Turkish marvelously. Hey there! Where the devil has + he gone? <i>(To Cléonte). Strouf, strif, strof, straf</i>. The + gentleman is a <i>grande Segnore, grande Segnore, grande Segnore</i>. + And Madame is a <i>Dama granda Dama, granda</i>. Ahi! He, Monsieur, he + French <i>Mamamauchi</i>, and Madame also French <i>Mamamouchie</i>. I + can't say it more clearly. Good, here's the interpreter. Where are you + going? We won't know how to say anything without you. Tell him, that + Monsieur and Madame are persons of high rank, who have come to pay their + respects to him, as my friends, and to assure him of their services. + You'll see how he will reply. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: <i>Alabala crociam acci boram alabamen</i>. + </p> + <p> + CLÉONTE: <i>Catalequi tubal ourin soter amalouchan</i>. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: See? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: He says that the rain of prosperity should water the garden of + your family in all seasons. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I told you that he speaks Turkish! + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: That's wonderful. + </p> + <p> + SCENE V <i>(Lucile, Monsieur Jourdain, Dorante, Dorimène, etc.)</i> + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Come, my daughter; come here and give your hand to + the gentleman who does you the honor of asking for you in marriage. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: What! Father, look at you! Are you playing in a comedy? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: No, no, this is not a comedy, it's a very serious + matter, and as full of honor for you as possible. There is the husband I + give you. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: To me, father? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes, to you. Come, put your hand in his, and give + thanks to Heaven for your happiness. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: I have absolutely no wish to marry. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I wish it, I, who am your father. + </p> + <p> + LUCILLE: I'll do nothing of the sort. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! What a nuisance! Come, I tell you. Give your + hand. + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: No, my father, I told you, there is no power on earth that can + make me take any husband other than Cléonte. And I will go to + extreme measures rather than . . . <i>(Recognizes Cléonte)</i> It + is true that you are my father; I owe you complete obedience; and it is + for you to dispose of me according to your wishes. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! I am delighted to see you return so promptly to + your duty, and it pleases me to have an obedient daughter. + </p> + <p> + SCENE VI <i>(Madame Jourdain, Monsieur Jourdain, Cléonte, etc.)</i> + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What now? What's this? They say that you want to give + your daughter in marriage to a someone in a Carnival costume? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Will you be quiet, impertinent woman? You always + throw your absurdities into everything, and there's no teaching you to + be reasonable. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: It's you that there is no way of making wise, and you + go from folly to folly. What is your plan, and what do you want to do + with this assemblage of people? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I want to marry our daughter to the son of the Grand + Turk. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: To the son of the Grand Turk? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Yes. Greet him through the interpreter there. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I don't need an interpreter; and I'll tell him straight + out myself, to his face, that there is no way he will have my daughter. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I ask again, will you be quiet? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What! Madame Jourdain, do you oppose such good fortune as that? + You refuse His Turkish Highness as your son-in-law? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: My Goodness, Sir, mind your own business. + </p> + <p> + DORIMÈNE: It's a great glory, which is not to be rejected. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Madame, I beg you also not to concern yourself with + what does not affect you. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: It's the friendship we have for you that makes us involve + ourselves in your interest. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I can get along quite well without your friendship. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Your daughter here agrees to the wishes of her father. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: My daughter consents to marry a Turk? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: Without doubt. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: She can forget Cléonte? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: What wouldn't one do to be a great lady? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I would strangle her with my own hands if she did + something like that. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That is just so much talk. I tell you, this marriage + shall take place. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: And I say there is no way that it will happen. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Oh, what a row! + </p> + <p> + LUCILE: Mother! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Go away, you are a hussy. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: What! You quarrel with her for obeying me? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes. She is mine as much as yours. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Madame! + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: What do you want to tell me? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: A word. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I want nothing to do with your word. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: <i>(To Monsieur Jourdain)</i> Sir, if she will hear a word in + private, I promise you to make her consent to what you want. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I will never consent to It. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Only listen to me. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: No. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Listen to him. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: No, I don't want to listen to him. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: He is going tell you . . . + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I don't want him to tell me anything whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: There is the great stubbornness of a woman! How can + it hurt you to listen to him? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Just listen to me; after that you can do as you please. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Alright! What? + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: <i>(Aside to Madame Jourdain)</i> For an hour, Madame, we've + been signaling to you. Don't you see that all this is done only to + accommodate ourselves to the fantasies of your husband, that we are + fooling him under this disguise and that it is Cléonte himself + who is the son of the Grand Turk? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Ah! Ah! + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: And I, Covielle, am the interpreter? + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Ah! If this is the case then, I surrender. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Don't let on. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: Yes, it's done, I agree to the marriage. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Ah! Now everyone's reasonable. You didn't want to + hear it. I knew he would explain to you what it means to be the son of + the Grand Turk. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: He explained it to me very well, and I am satisfied. + Let us send for a notary. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: This is very well said. And finally, Madame Jourdain, in order + to relieve your mind completely, and that you may lose today all the + jealousy that you may have conceived of your husband, we shall have the + same notary marry us, Madame and me. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: I agree to that also. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Is this to make her believe our story? + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: <i>(Aside to Monsieur Jourdain)</i> It is necessary to amuse + her with this pretence. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Good, good! Someone go for the notary. + </p> + <p> + DORANTE: While we wait for him to come and while he draws up the + contracts, let us see our ballet, and divert His Turkish Highness with + it. + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: That is very well advised. Come, let's take our + places. + </p> + <p> + MADAME JOURDAIN: And Nicole? + </p> + <p> + MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: I give her to the interpreter; and my wife to whoever + wants her. + </p> + <p> + COVIELLE: Sir, I thank you. <i>(Aside)</i> If one can find a greater + fool, I'll go to Rome to tell it. <i> </i> + </p> + <p> + <i>(The comedy ends with a ballet.)</i> <br /> + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Middle Class Gentleman, by Moliere + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIDDLE CLASS GENTLEMAN *** + +***** This file should be named 2992-h.htm or 2992-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/9/2992/ + +Produced by Philip Dwight Jones, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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