Harpagon (imitating her). And I, my dear girl, my pet, I wish you to get married, if you please.

Elise (Curtseying once more). I beg your pardon, father.

Harpagon (imitating Elise). I beg your pardon, daughter.

Elise. I am M. Anselme’s most humble servant (curtseying again); but, with your leave, I shall not marry him.

Harpagon. I am your most humble slave, but (imitating Elise) with your leave, you shall marry him not later than this evening.

Elise. Not later than this evening?

Harpagon. Not later than this evening.

Elise (curtseying again). That shall not be, father.

Harpagon (imitating her again). This shall be, daughter.

Elise. No.

Harpagon. Yes.

Elise. No, I tell you.

Harpagon. Yes, I tell you.

Elise. That is a thing you shall not drive me to.

Harpagon. That is a thing I shall drive you to.

Elise. I will kill myself sooner than marry such a husband.

Harpagon. You shall not kill yourself, and you shall marry him. But has such boldness ever been seen! Has ever a daughter been heard to speak to her father in this manner?

Elise. But has any one ever seen a father give away his daughter in marriage in this manner?

Harpagon. It is a match to which no one can object; and I bet that every one will approve of my choice.

Elise. And I bet that no reasonable being will approve of it.

Harpagon. (perceiving Valère in the distance). Here comes Valère. Shall we make him judge betwixt us in this matter?

Elise. I consent to it.

Harpagon. Will you submit to his judgment?

Elise. Yes; I will submit to what he shall decide.

Harpagon. That is agreed.

Scene VII.—Valère, Harpagon, Elise.

Harpagon. Come here, Valère. We have elected you to tell us who is in the right, my daughter or I.