Comedy plays; French drama -- 17th century -- Translations into English
Cadwell:
Yes, madam, she is that. But no part of heir wit is not fully grown.
It seems that hers only serves to discover it in others.
Laura:
Why that's a pretty character indeed. She's beautiful without a doubt.
Cadwell:
Ah, don't engage me to paint her portrait. I couldn't do it without
offending you. And you, never having seen her, I cannot tell you how I
find her the most adorable woman in the world.
Laura: (sighing)
She ought to be content to appear so to your eyes.
Cadwell: (trying to take off his blindfold)
Let's not pretend further and permit me the joy of seeing the only
person with whom I wish to live.
Laura: (stopping him)
Stop!
Cadwell:
Eh, madam, what good are all these delays. I know you, I know who you
are.
Laura:
Wait. To whom do you think you are speaking?
Cadwell:
To you, madam.
Laura:
I am not Laura.
Cadwell:
And it isn't to her that I address my vows. And I must tell you only
the hope that it could be Lady Julia made me come here. If it isn't to
her that I speak, I shall return without seeing you.
Laura:
You don't love Laura any more?
Cadwell:
No, madam, I never loved Laura.
Laura:
You don't love me, liar! You dare to say that to my face! Eh! Why did
you deceive me then? (tearing off his blindfold)
Bendish:
This isn't funny unless accompanied by blows from a stick. That would
be much more pleasant to me.
Arabella:
Goodbye, Mr. Cadwell. I thank you for the kind sentiments you have for
me.
Olivia: (to Cadwell)
As for me, I am satisfied.
Selina:
Adieu, Cadwell.
Jenny: (to Bendish)
Adieu, Mr. Bendish.
Laura: (to Worthy)
Mr. Worthy, will you take my hand?
Worthy:
Will I indeed!
Laura:
I give it to you. (to Cadwell) Adieu, false one. Don't ever see me
again.
(Exit Laura, Worthy, Olivia, Arabella, Selina, Slice, and Jenny to
Laura's apartment.
Bendish:
Come, sir! Hadn't we better be on our way. We will soon be evicted.
Above all, let's change our names and the part of town we live in. We
are denounced hereabouts like counterfeit money.
Cadwell: (aside, overwhelmed with astonishment and confusion)
Just Heavens!
Bendish:
It this would only teach him.
CURTAIN
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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