ORGON
I know . . . and you can't throw me off the scent.
ELMIRE
Once more, I am astounded at your weakness;
I wonder what your unbelief would answer,
If I should let you see we've told the truth?
ORGON
See it?
ELMIRE
Yes.
ORGON
Nonsense.
ELMIRE
Come! If I should find
A way to make you see it clear as day?
ORGON
All rubbish.
ELMIRE
What a man! But answer me.
I'm not proposing now that you believe us;
But let's suppose that here, from proper hiding,
You should be made to see and hear all plainly;
What would you say then, to your man of virtue?
ORGON
Why, then, I'd say . . . say nothing. It can't be.
ELMIRE
Your error has endured too long already,
And quite too long you've branded me a liar.
I must at once, for my own satisfaction,
Make you a witness of the things we've told you.
ORGON
Amen! I take you at your word. We'll see
What tricks you have, and how you'll keep your promise.
ELMIRE (to Dorine)
Send him to me.
DORINE (to Elmire)
The man's a crafty codger,
Perhaps you'll find it difficult to catch him.
ELMIRE (to Dorine)
Oh no! A lover's never hard to cheat,
And self-conceit leads straight to self-deceit.
Bid him come down to me.
(To Cleante and Mariane)
And you, withdraw.
