Harpagon. The oath is admirable, and the promise rather funny.

Valère. Yes, we have bound ourselves to be all in all to each other for ever.

Harpagon. I shall hinder you from it, I assure you.

Valère. Nothing but death shall separate us.

Harpagon. It is being devilishly enamoured of my money.

Valère. I have told you already, Sir, that interest did not urge me to do what I have done. My heart did not act from the motives which you imagine; a nobler one inspired me with this resolution.

Harpagon. You shall see that it is from Christian charity that he covets my property! But I shall look to that; and the law will give me satisfaction for all this, you bare-faced rogue.

Valère. You shall act as you like, and I am ready to bear all the violence you please; but I implore you to believe, at least, that if harm has been done, I only am to be blamed, and that in all this, your daughter is in nowise culpable.

Harpagon. Indeed, I believe you! it would be very strange if my daughter had had a part in this crime. But I will have my property back again, and I will have you confess where you have carried it away to.

Valère. I? I have not carried it away at all. It is still in your house.

Harpagon (aside). O! my beloved cash-box! (Aloud). Then it has not gone out of my house?

Valère. No, sir.

Harpagon. Just tell me that you have not made free with it?

Valère. I make free with it! Ah! you wrong us both; and it is with a wholly pure and respectable ardour that I burn.

Harpagon (aside). Burn for my cash-box!

Valère. I would sooner die than show her any offensive thought: she is too prudent and honourable for that.

Harpagon (aside). My cash-box too honourable!

Valère. All my wishes are confined to enjoy the sight of her; and nothing criminal has profaned the passion with which her beautiful eyes have inspired me.

Harpagon (aside). The beautiful eyes of my cash-box! He speaks of her as a lover speaks of his mistress.

Valère. Mistress Claude, Sir, knows the truth of this affair; and she can testify to it.

Harpagon. What! my servant is an accomplice in the matter?

Valère. Yes, Sir; she was a witness to our engagement; and it is after having known the honourable intent of my passion, that she has assisted me in persuading your daughter to plight her troth, and receive mine.

Harpagon (aside). He? does the fear of justice make him rave? (To Valère.) What means all this gibberish about my daughter?