Harpagon. That is what I say every day; with their voices like chicken-hearted fellows, three small hairs in the beard twirled like a cat’s whiskers; their tow-wigs, their breeches quite hanging down, and their open breasts!

Frosine. Indeed! they are well built compared with a person like you! That is what I call a man; there is something there to please the sight; and that is the way to be made and dressed to inspire love.

Harpagon. Then you like my appearance?

Frosine. Do I like your appearance! You are charming; your figure is worth painting. Turn round a little, if you please. Nothing could be better. Let me see you walk. That is a well-built body, free and easy as it ought to be, and without a sign of illness.

Harpagon. None to speak of, thank Heaven. Nothing but my cough, which worries me now and then.

Frosine. That is nothing. It does not become you badly, seeing that you cough very gracefully.

Harpagon. Just tell me: has Mariane not seen me yet? She has not taken any notice of me in going past?

Frosine. No; but we have spoken a great deal of you. I have tried to paint your person to her, and I have not failed to vaunt your merits, and the advantage which it would be to her to have a husband like you.

Harpagon. You have done well and I thank you for it.

Frosine. I have, Sir, a slight request to make to you. I have a law-suit which I am on the point of losing for want of a little money (Harpagon assumes a serious look); and you might easily enable me to gain this suit by doing me a little kindness. You would not believe how delighted she will be to see you. (Harpagon resumes his liveliness). How you will charm her, and how this old-fashioned ruff will take her fancy! But above all things, she will like your breeches fastened to your doublet with tags; that will make her mad for you; and a lover who wears tags will be most acceptable to her.

Harpagon. Certainly, I am delighted to hear you say so.

Frosine. Really, sir, this law-suit is of the utmost consequence to me. (Harpagon resumes his serious air.) If I lose it, I am ruined; and some little assistance would set my affairs in order … I should like you to have seen her delight at hearing me speak of you. (Harpagon resumes his liveliness). Joy shone in her eyes at the enumeration of your good qualities; and, in short, I have made her very anxious to have this match entirely concluded.

Harpagon. You have pleased me very much, Frosine; and I confess that I am extremely obliged to you.

Frosine. I pray you, Sir, to give me the little assistance which I ask of you. (Harpagon resumes his serious air.) It will put me on my legs again, and I shall be for ever grateful to you.

Harpagon. Good-bye. I am going to finish my letters.

Frosine. I assure you, Sir, that you could never come to my relief in a greater need.

Harpagon. I will give orders that my coach be ready to take you to the fair.

Frosine. I would not trouble you, if I were not compelled to it from necessity.

Harpagon. And I will take care that the supper shall be served early, so as not to make you ill.