French drama -- 17th century -- Translations into English; Molière, 1622-1673 -- Translations into English
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. POUR. I believe you.
SBRI. If I had the honour of being known to you, you would find that I
am altogether sincere.
MR. POUR. I do not doubt it.
SBRI. An enemy to deceit.
MR. POUR. I feel sure of it.
SBRI. And that I am incapable of disguising my thoughts.
MR. POUR. It is exactly what I think.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account