all your property, and lastly, pardons you this secret offence, in which the flight of a friend has involved you; and it is the reward of your former zeal in upholding his rights, to show that he knows how to recompense a good action when least thought of; that merit never loses aught with him; and that he remembers good much better than evil.

Dorine. Heaven be praised!

Madame Pernelle. I breathe again.

Elmire. Favourable success!

Mariane. Who dared foretell this?

Orgon (to Tartuffe, whom the Officer leads off). Well, wretch, there you are …

Scene VIII.—Madame Pernelle, Orgon, Elmire, Mariane, Cléante, Valére, Damis, Dorine.

Cléante. Ah! brother, stop; and do not descend to indignities.

Leave the wretch to his fate, and do not add to the remorse that overwhelms him. Rather wish that his heart, from this day, may be converted to virtue; that, through detestation of his crimes, he may reform his life, and soften the justice of our great prince; while you throw yourself at his knees to render thanks for his goodness, which has treated you so leniently.

Orgon. Yes, it is well said. Let us throw ourselves joyfully at his feet, to laud the kindness which his heart displays to us. Then, having acquitted ourselves of this first duty, we must apply ourselves to the just cares of another, and by a sweet union crown in Valère the flame of a generous and sincere lover.