Tartuffe [observing Dorine]. Laurent, lock up my hair shirt and my scourge, And pray for freedom from each carnal urge. If anyone comes calling, say I have gone To share my alms with the poor souls in prison. Dorine [aside]. Such affectation and boastful behavior! Tartuffe. What do you wish? Dorine. To say . . . Tartuffe [taking a handkerchief from his pocket]. Wait! By our Savior, Please! Before you speak take this handkerchief. Dorine. Why? Tartuffe. Because seeing your bosom causes me grief. Through one's eyes one's soul may be wounded, And then sinful thoughts may grow unattended. Dorine. Then you are quite ready for temptation, And bare skin makes on you a big impression. I truly don't know why you feel such passion; I myself think lust is out of fashion, For I could see you nude from top to toe Without your pelt setting my cheeks aglow. Tartuffe. Put a little modesty in your discourse Or I must leave you instantly perforce. Dorine. No, it is I who will leave you here in peace, And I will just say this before I cease: Madam is coming down to visit you And demands the favor of a rendezvous. Tartuffe. Oh yes! Most willingly! Dorine [to herself]. Isn't he sweet! I'm even surer now that dog's in heat. Tartuffe. Will she soon come? Dorine. I think I can hear her. Yes, there. Now I will leave you two together. SCENE III Elmire, Tartuffe Tartuffe. May Heaven forever in its great bounty Grant you good health both in soul and body, And bless your days as much as he desires Who is the humblest of those your love inspires! Elmire. I'm much obliged for your pious wishes, but please, Let us be seated and put ourselves at ease. Tartuffe [sitting down]. Have you quite recovered from your illness? Elmire [sitting as well]. Yes, my headache quickly lost its sharpness. Tartuffe. My prayers haven't enough value to buy Such grace from the Heavenly One on High, But most of my recent prayers have in essence Been mainly focused on your convalescence. Elmire. Your concern for me is somewhat disquieting. Tartuffe. I dearly cherish your precious well-being, And to restore it I would have given my own. Elmire. Such Christian charity is overblown, But I am much obliged for all your care. Tartuffe. I try to do as much for you as I dare. Elmire. I wish to speak of some private business And am pleased there's no one to overhear us. Tartuffe. I, too, am delighted, and entre nous It's very sweet being one-on-one with you. For this also have I begged the Deity, But only now has he granted it to me. Elmire. I myself want an encounter between us two Where your whole heart is opened through and through.