It's certainly troublesome. Elmire. That's for sure! Tartuffe. Your scruples at least are easy to cure: You can be sure that I will keep things quiet-- A deed is evil only if men spy it. The noise of scandal is the source of offense; There is no sin if one sins in silence. Elmire [after having coughed and knocked on the table]. At last I see I'm forced to go astray, And I must consent to let you have your way, And that I cannot hope that short of the deed You will be content and willing to concede. It is very hard to be forced to do it, And in spite of myself to stoop down to it; But since you persist in making me obey, Since you refuse to believe what I say, And since you demand more convincing proof, I'll have to give in and quit acting aloof. If this action causes anyone grief, The blame be on him who refused all relief. The fault most certainly is none of mine. Tartuffe. Yes, madame, I agree and that is fine . . . Elmire. Peek out of the door and see, I beg you, If my spouse is spying on our rendezvous. Tartuffe. Why do you care what he sees or where he goes? He's a man who loves to be led by the nose. Our trysts are something he's proud of achieving, And he'd watch us go to it without believing. Elmire. No matter. Please, go have a look outside; I'd hate to think he's found some place to hide. SCENE VI Orgon, Elmire Orgon [coming out from under the table]. There, I swear, is an abominable man! I can't get over it. What is his plan? Elmire. How now? Come out so soon? Were you having fun? Get back down there. We've only just begun. Wait till the end to be completely sure, And don't put your faith in mere conjecture. Orgon. No man more evil has been spawned in Hell. Elmire. Dear Lord! Don't believe the lies people tell. Be wholly convinced before you concede: Cautious men shun the slips that come with speed. [She pushes her husband behind her.] SCENE VII Tartuffe, Elmire, Orgon