Harpagon. That is not the question.

Jacques. If I do not dish you up something as good as I could wish, it is the fault of your Master Steward, who has clipped my wings with the scissors of his economy.

Harpagon. You wretch! it concerns something else than the supper; and I wish you to give me some information respecting the money that has been stolen from me.

Jacques. They have stolen some money from you?

Harpagon. Yes, you scoundrel; and I shall have you hanged if you do not give it me back again.

Magistrate (to Harpagon). Good Heavens! do not ill-use him. I perceive by his face that he is an honest man, and that, without having him locked up, he will inform you of what you wish to know. Yes, my friend, if you confess the matter to me, no harm will come to you, and you will be suitably rewarded by your master. He has been robbed of his money to-day; and it is scarcely possible that you do not know something of the matter.

Jacques (aside to himself). This is just what I wish, in order to revenge myself on our steward. Since he has set foot in this house, he is the favourite; his counsels are the only ones listened to; and the cudgel- blows, just now received, are also sticking in my throat.

Harpagon. What are you muttering to yourself about?

Magistrate (to Harpagon). Leave him alone. He is preparing to give you satisfaction; and I told you that he was an honest man.

Jacques. If you wish me to tell you things as they are, Sir, I believe that it is your dear steward who has done this.

Harpagon. Valère!

Jacques. Yes.

Harpagon. He! Who seemed so faithful to me?

Jacques. Himself. I believe that he is the one who robbed you.

Harpagon. And upon what do you base your belief?

Jacques. Upon what?

Harpagon. Yes.

Jacques. I believe it … because I believe it.

Magistrate. But it is necessary to mention the evidence which you have.

Harpagon. Have you seen him hang about the spot where I had put my money?

Jacques. Yes, indeed. Where was your money?

Harpagon. In the garden.

Jacques. That is just where I have seen him hanging about, in the garden. And what was this money in?