Elmire. Once more, I wonder at your strange weakness; but what would your unbelief answer if I were to show you that you had been told the truth.

Orgon. Show!

Elmire. Aye.

Orgon. Stuff.

Elmire. But if I found the means to show you plainly? …

Orgon. Idle stories.

Elmire. What a strange man! Answer me, at least. I am not speaking of believing us; but suppose that we found a place where you could plainly see and hear everything, what would you say then of your good man?

Orgon. In that case, I should say that … I should say nothing, for the thing cannot be.

Elmire. Your delusion has lasted too long, and I have been too much taxed with imposture. I must, for my gratification, without going any farther, make you a witness of all that I have told you.

Orgon. Be it so. I take you at your word. We shall see your dexterity, and how you will make good this promise.

Elmire (to Dorine). Bid him come to me.

Dorine (to Elmire). He is crafty, and it will be difficult, perhaps, to catch him.

Elmire (to Dorine). No; people are easily duped by those whom they love, and conceit is apt to deceive itself. Bid him come down. (To Cléante and Mariane.) And do you retire.

Scene IV.—Elmire, Orgon.

Elmire. Come, and get under this table.

Orgon. Why so?

Elmire. It is necessary that you should conceal yourself well.

Orgon. But why under this table?

Elmire. Good Heavens! do as you are told; I have thought about my plan, and you shall judge. Get under there, I tell you, and, when you are there, take care not to be seen or heard.

Orgon. I confess that my complaisance is great; but I must needs see the end of your enterprise.

Elmire. You will have nothing, I believe, to reply to me. (To Orgon under the table.) Mind! I am going to meddle with a strange matter, do not be shocked in any way. I must be permitted to say what I like; and it is to convince you, as I have promised. Since I am compelled to it, I am going to make this hypocrite drop his mask by addressing soft speeches to him, flatter the shameful desires of his passion, and give him full scope for his audacity. As it is for your sake alone, and the better to confound him, that I pretend to yield to his wishes, I shall cease as soon as you show yourself, and things need not go farther than you wish. It is for you to stop his mad passion, when you think matters are carried far enough, to spare your wife, and not to expose me any more than is necessary to disabuse you. This is your business, it remains entirely with you, and … But he comes. Keep close, and be careful not to show yourself.