Act IVScene VII
Tartuffe, Elmire, Orgon
Tartuffe
Not seeing Orgon
All things conspire toward my satisfaction,Madam, I’ve searched the whole apartment through.There’s no one here; and now my ravished soul ...
Orgon
Stopping him
Softly! You are too eager in your amours;You needn’t be so passionate. Ah ha!My holy man! You want to put it on me!How is your soul abandoned to temptation!Marry my daughter, eh?—and want my wife, too?I doubted long enough if this was earnest,Expecting all the time the tone would change;But now the proof’s been carried far enough;I’m satisfied, and ask no more, for my part.
Elmire
To Tartuffe
’Twas quite against my character to playThis part; but I was forced to treat you so.
Tartuffe
What? You believe ... ?
Orgon
Come, now, no protestations.Get out from here, and make no fuss about it.
Tartuffe
But my intent ...
Orgon
That talk is out of season.You leave my house this instant.
Tartuffe
You’re the oneTo leave it, you who play the master here!This house belongs to me, I’ll have you know,And show you plainly it’s no use to turnTo these low tricks, to pick a quarrel with me,And that you can’t insult me at your pleasure,For I have wherewith to confound your lies,Avenge offended Heaven, and compelThose to repent who talk to me of leaving.