Valère. Since everything has been revealed to you, Sir, I will not prevaricate, and deny the matter to you.

Jacques (aside). Oh! Oh! could I unconsciously have guessed aright!

Valère. It was my intention to speak to you about it, and I wished to wait for a favourable opportunity; but, since matters are so, I implore you not to be angry, and to be willing to listen to my motives.

Harpagon. And what pretty motives can you advance, infamous thief?

Valère. Ah! Sir, I have not deserved these names. It is true that I have committed an offence against you; but after all, the fault is pardonable.

Harpagon. How! pardonable? A trap, a murder like that.

Valère. For pity’s sake, do not get angry. When you have heard me, you will see that the harm is not so great as you make it.

Harpagon. The harm is not so great as I make it! What! my blood, my very heart, hang-dog!

Valère. Your blood, Sir, has not fallen into bad hands. I am of a rank not to do it any injury; and there is nothing in all this but what I can easily repair.

Harpagon. That is what I intend, and that you should restore to me what you have robbed me of.

Valère. Your honour shall be amply satisfied, Sir.

Harpagon. There is no question of honour in it. But tell me, who has driven you to such a deed?

Valère. Alas! need you ask me?

Harpagon. Yes, indeed, I do ask you.

Valère. A god who carries his excuse for all he makes people do. Love.

Harpagon. Love?

Valère. Yes.

Harpagon. A pretty love, a pretty love, upon my word! the love for my gold pieces!

Valère. No, Sir, it is not your wealth that has tempted me; it is not that which has dazzled me; and I protest that I have not the slightest design upon your property, provided you leave me that which I have got.

Harpagon. No, by all the devils I shall not leave it to you. But see what insolence to wish to keep that of which he has robbed me!

Valère. Do you call that robbery?

Harpagon. If I call it a robbery? a treasure like that!

Valère. It is a treasure, that is true, and the most precious which you have got, no doubt; but it would not be losing it to leave it to me. I ask you for it on my knees, this treasure full of charms? and to do right, you should grant it to me.

Harpagon. I shall do nothing of the kind. What does it all mean?

Valère. We have pledged our faith to each other, and have sworn never to part.