CEL. When you come to know why I act thus, you will esteem me for it. MAID. Perhaps so. CEL. Know then that Lelio has wounded my heart by his treacherous behaviour, and has been in this neighbourhood without... MAID. Here he comes. SCENE XX.--LELIO, CELIA, CELIA'S MAID. LEL. Before I take my leave of you for ever, I will at least here tell you that... CEL. What! are you insolent enough to speak to me again? LEL. I own my insolence is great, and yet your choice is such I should not be greatly to blame if I upbraided you. Live, live contented, and laugh when you think of me, as well as your worthy husband, of whom you have reason to be proud. CEL. Yes, traitor, I will live so, and I trust most earnestly that the thought of my happiness may disturb you. LEL. Why this outbreak of passion? CEL. You pretend to be surprised, and ask what crimes you have committed? SCENE XXI.--CELIA, LELIO, SGANARELLE _armed cap-a-pie_, CELIA'S MAID. SGAN. I wage war, a war of extermination against this robber of my honour, who without mercy has sullied my fair name. CEL. (_To Lelio, pointing to Sganarelle_). Look on this man, and then you will require no further answer. LEL. Ah! I see. CEL. A mere glance at him is sufficient to abash you. LEL. It ought rather to make you blush. SGAN. My wrath is now disposed to vent itself upon some one; my courage is at its height; if I meet him, there will be blood shed. Yes, I have sworn to kill him, nothing can keep me from doing so. Wherever I see him I will dispatch him. (_Drawing his sword halfway and approaching Lelio_). Right through the middle of his heart I shall thrust... LEL. (_Turning round_). Against whom do you bear such a grudge? SGAN. Against no one. LEL. Why are you thus in armour? SGAN. It is a dress I put on to keep the rain off. (_Aside_). Ah! what a satisfaction it would be for me to kill him! Let us pluck up courage to do it. LEL. (_Turning round again_). Hey? SGAN. I did not speak. (_Aside, boxing his own ears, and thumping himself to raise his courage_). Ah! I am enraged at my own cowardice! Chicken-hearted poltroon! CEL. What you have seen ought to satisfy you, but it appears to offend you. LEL. Yes through him I know you are guilty of the greatest faithlessness that ever wronged a faithful lover's heart, and for which no excuse can be found. SGAN. (_Aside_). Why have I not a little more courage? CEL. Ah, traitor, speak not to me in so unmanly and insolent a manner. SGAN. (_Aside_). You see, Sganarelle, she takes up your quarrel: courage, my lad, be a trifle vigorous. Now, be bold, try to make one noble effort and kill him whilst his back is turned. LEL. (_Who has moved accidentally a few steps back, meets Sganarelle, who was drawing near to kill him. The latter is frightened, and retreats_). Since my words kindle your wrath, madam, I ought to show my satisfaction with what your heart approves, and here commend the lovely choice you have made.