CLEANTE We're wasting time here in the merest trifling, Which we should rather use in taking measures To guard ourselves against the scoundrel's threats. DAMIS You think his impudence could go far? ELMIRE For one, I can't believe it possible; Why, his ingratitude would be too patent. CLEANTE Don't trust to that; he'll find abundant warrant To give good colour to his acts against you; And for less cause than this, a strong cabal Can make one's life a labyrinth of troubles. I tell you once again: armed as he is You never should have pushed him quite so far. ORGON True; yet what could I do? The rascal's pride Made me lose all control of my resentment. CLEANTE I wish with all my heart that some pretence Of peace could be patched up between you two ELMIRE If I had known what weapons he was armed with, I never should have raised such an alarm, And my ... ORGON (to Dorine, seeing Mr. Loyal come in) Who's coming now? Go quick, find out. I'm in a fine state to receive a visit! SCENE IV ORGON, MADAME PERNELLE, ELMIRE, MARIANE, CLEANTE, DAMIS, DORINE, MR. LOYAL MR. LOYAL (to Dorine, at the back of the stage) Good day, good sister. Pray you, let me see The master of the house. DORINE He's occupied; I think he can see nobody at present. MR. LOYAL I'm not by way of being unwelcome here. My coming can, I think, nowise displease him; My errand will be found to his advantage. DORINE Your name, then? MR. LOYAL Tell him simply that his friend Mr. Tartuffe has sent me, for his goods ... DORINE (to Orgon) It is a man who comes, with civil manners, Sent by Tartuffe, he says, upon an errand That you'll be pleased with. CLEANTE (to Orgon) Surely you must see him, And find out who he is, and what he wants. ORGON (to Cleante) Perhaps he's come to make it up between us: How shall I treat him? CLEANTE You must not get angry; And if he talks of reconciliation Accept it. MR. LOYAL (to Orgon) Sir, good-day. And Heaven send Harm to your enemies, favour to you. ORGON (aside to Cleante) This mild beginning suits with my conjectures And promises some compromise already. MR. LOYAL All of your house has long been dear to me; I had the honour, sir, to serve your father. ORGON Sir, I am much ashamed, and ask your pardon For not recalling now your face or name. MR. LOYAL My name is Loyal. I'm from Normandy. My office is court-bailiff, in despite Of envy; and for forty years, thank Heaven, It's been my fortune to perform that office With honour. So I've come, sir, by your leave To render service of a certain writ ... ORGON What, you are here to ... MR. LOYAL Pray, sir, don't be angry. 'Tis nothing, sir, but just a little summons:-- Order to vacate, you and yours, this house, Move out your furniture, make room for others, And that without delay or putting off, As needs must be ...