TARTUFFE
My prayers, I fear, have not sufficient merit
To have drawn down this favour from on high;
But each entreaty that I made to Heaven
Had for its object your recovery.
ELMIRE
You're too solicitous on my behalf.
TARTUFFE
We could not cherish your dear health too much;
I would have given mine, to help restore it.
ELMIRE
That's pushing Christian charity too far;
I owe you many thanks for so much kindness.
TARTUFFE
I do far less for you than you deserve.
ELMIRE
There is a matter that I wished to speak of
In private; I am glad there's no one here
To listen.
TARTUFFE
Madam, I am overjoyed.
'Tis sweet to find myself alone with you.
This is an opportunity I've asked
Of Heaven, many a time; till now, in vain.
ELMIRE
All that I wish, is just a word from you,
Quite frank and open, hiding nothing from me.
(DAMIS, without their seeing him, opens the closet door halfway.)
TARTUFFE
I too could wish, as Heaven's especial favour,
To lay my soul quite open to your eyes,
And swear to you, the trouble that I made
About those visits which your charms attract,
Does not result from any hatred toward you,
But rather from a passionate devotion,
And purest motives . . .
ELMIRE
That is how I take it,
I think 'tis my salvation that concerns you.
TARTUFFE (pressing her finger tips)
Madam, 'tis so; and such is my devotion . . .
ELMIRE
Ouch! but you squeeze too hard.
TARTUFFE
Excess of zeal.
In no way could I ever mean to hurt you,
And I'd as soon .
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