ORGON, ELMIRE, DAMIS, TARTUFFE
       DAMIS
       Father, we've news to welcome your arrival,
       That's altogether novel, and surprising.
       You are well paid for your caressing care,
       And this fine gentleman rewards your love
       Most handsomely, with zeal that seeks no less
       Than your dishonour, as has now been proven.
       I've just surprised him making to your wife
       The shameful offer of a guilty love.
       She, somewhat over gentle and discreet,
       Insisted that the thing should be concealed;
       But I will not condone such shamelessness,
       Nor so far wrong you as to keep it secret.
       ELMIRE
       Yes, I believe a wife should never trouble
       Her husband's peace of mind with such vain gossip;
       A woman's honour does not hang on telling;
       It is enough if she defend herself;
       Or so I think; Damis, you'd not have spoken,
       If you would but have heeded my advice.

Introductory Note
Characters
act i
   Scene I
   Scene II
   Scene III
   Scene IV
   Scene V
   Scene VI
act ii
   Scene I
   Scene II
   Scene III
   Scene IV
act iii
   Scene I
   Scene II
   Scene III
   Scene IV
   Scene V
   Scene VI
   Scene VII
act iv
   Scene I
   Scene II
   Scene III
   Scene IV
   Scene V
   Scene VI
   Scene VII
   Scene VIII
act v
   Scene I
   Scene II
   Scene III
   Scene IV
   Scene V
   Scene VI
   Scene VII
   Scene VIII