I know no more of it
Save that a warrant's drawn against you, sir,
And for the greater surety, that same rascal
Comes with the officer who must arrest you.
CLEANTE
His rights are armed; and this is how the scoundrel
Seeks to secure the property he claims.
ORGON
Man is a wicked animal, I'll own it!
VALERE
The least delay may still be fatal, sir.
I have my carriage, and a thousand louis,
Provided for your journey, at the door.
Let's lose no time; the bolt is swift to strike,
And such as only flight can save you from.
I'll be your guide to seek a place of safety,
And stay with you until you reach it, sir.
ORGON
How much I owe to your obliging care!
Another time must serve to thank you fitly;
And I pray Heaven to grant me so much favour
That I may some day recompense your service.
Good-bye; see to it, all of you . . .
CLEANTE
Come hurry;
We'll see to everything that's needful, brother.
SCENE VII
TARTUFFE, AN OFFICER, MADAME PERNELLE, ORGON, ELMIRE, CLEANTE,
MARIANE, VALERE, DAMIS, DORINE
TARTUFFE (stopping Orgon)
Softly, sir, softly; do not run so fast;
You haven't far to go to find your lodging;
By order of the prince, we here arrest you.
ORGON
Traitor! You saved this worst stroke for the last;
This crowns your perfidies, and ruins me.
TARTUFFE
I shall not be embittered by your insults,
For Heaven has taught me to endure all things.
CLEANTE
Your moderation, I must own, is great.
DAMIS
How shamelessly the wretch makes bold with Heaven!
TARTUFFE
Your ravings cannot move me; all my thought
Is but to do my duty.
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