This is a famous man, Madam; and your affair could not be trusted to better hands. He is the hero of the age, for the wonders he has performed. A man who, twenty times in his life, has generously braved the galleys to serve his friends; who, at the peril of his arms and shoulders,2 knows how to bring to a successful issue the most difficult enterprises; and who is, in short, banished from his country for I don't know how many honourable actions he has generously engaged in.
Sbri. I am ashamed to hear the praises with which you honour me, and I could most justly extol the marvellous things you did in your life; I could particularly speak of the glory you acquired when you cheated at play that young nobleman we brought to your house, and won twelve thousand crowns from him; when you handsomely made that false contract which ruined a whole family; when with such greatness of soul you denied all knowledge of the deposit which had been entrusted to you, and so generously gave evidence which hung two innocent people.
Ner. These are trifles not worth mentioning, and your praises make me blush.
Sbri. Then I will spare your modesty. Let us leave that aside, and speak of our business. To begin with, I will quickly rejoin our countryman, while you, on your side, will see that all the other actors in the comedy are kept in readiness.
Era. And you, Madam, pray remember your part, that in order to conceal our aim the better, you are to affect to be quite perfectly delighted with your father's resolutions.
Jul. If it only depends on that, things will be sure to succeed.
Era. But, dear Julia, if everything were to fail?
Jul. I will declare my real inclinations to my father.
Era. And if he persists in his designs in spite of your inclinations?
Jul. I will threaten to shut myself up in a convent.
Era. But if, notwithstanding all that, he wished to force you to this marriage?
Jul. Why, what would you have me say?
Era. What do I want you to say?
Jul. Yes.
Era. What is said when one loves truly?
Jul. But what?
Era. That nothing shall force you; that in spite of all your father can do, you promise to be mine.
Jul. Ah me! Éraste, be satisfied with what I do now, and leave the future alone. Do not perplex me in my duty, by speaking of sad expedients to which we may not be obliged to have recourse. Allow me to be led by the course of events.
Era. Will …
Sbri. Sir, here is our man. Be careful.
Ner. Ah! what a guy!3
SCENE V. – MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC, SBRIGANI
Mr. Pour. (turning to the side he came from, and speaking to the people who are following him). Well, what is it? What is the matter? What do you want? Deuce take this stupid town, and the people who live in it! Nobody can walk a step without meeting a lot of asses staring and laughing like fools at one. You boobies, mind your business; and let folk pass without grinning in their faces. Deuce take me if I don't knock down the first man I see laughing.
Sbri. (speaking to the same people). What are you about? What is the meaning of such conduct? What is it you want? Is it right to make fun like that of strangers who come here?
Mr. Pour. Here is a man of sense at last.
Sbri. What manners! And what is there to laugh at?
Mr. Pour. Quite right.
Sbri. Is there anything ridiculous in this gentleman?
Mr. Pour. I ask you?
Sbri. Is he not like other people?
Mr. Pour. Am I crooked or hunchbacked?
Sbri. Learn to distinguish people.
Mr. Pour. Well said.
Sbri. This gentleman's qualities call for your respect.
Mr. Pour. Perfectly true.
Sbri. He is a person of quality.
Mr. Pour. Yes, a gentleman from Limoges.
Sbri. A man of intelligence.
Mr. Pour. Who has studied the law.4
Sbri. He does you too much honour in coming to this town.
Mr. Pour. Ay, indeed.
Sbri. This gentleman has nothing in him that can make you laugh.
Mr. Pour. Certainly not.
Sbri. And the first who laughs at him, I will call to account.
Mr. Pour. (to Sbrigani). Sir, I am extremely, obliged to you.
Sbri. I am sorry, Sir, to see a person like you received after such a fashion.
Mr. Pour. Your servant, Sir.
Sbri. I saw you breakfasting this morning, Sir, with the other passengers; and the grace with which you ate created in me at once a great friendship for you; and as I know that you have never been here before, and that you are a perfect stranger, I am glad I met you, to offer you my services at your arrival, and to assist you among these people, who do not always behave to strangers of quality as they should.
Mr. Pour. You are really very kind.
Sbri. I have told you already; the moment I saw you, I felt an inclination for you.
Mr. Pour. I am greatly obliged to you.
Sbri. Your countenance pleased me.
Mr. Pour. You do me much honour.
Sbri. I read honesty in it.
Mr. Pour. I am your servant.
Sbri. Something amiable.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. Graceful.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. Sweet.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. Majestic.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. Frank.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. And cordial.
Mr. Pour. Ah! ah!
Sbri. Believe that I am entirely yours.
Mr. Pour. I am greatly obliged to you.
Sbri. I speak from the bottom of my heart.
Mr.
Compare the "royal cautery" in 'The Flying Doctor'.
Sbrigani and Nérine are merely the conventional rogues of the stage. Compare Mascarille, Scapin.
Compare act ii. scene xii.
