The Impostures of Scapin. Жан-Батист Мольер

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      SCA. Ah me! You take my words too much like a philosopher. I mean to say that he was fatally engaged in this affair.

      ARG. And why did he engage in it?

      SCA. Do you expect him to be as wise as you are? Can you put an old head on young shoulders, and expect young people to have all the prudence necessary to do nothing but what is reasonable? Just look at our Léandre, who, in spite of all my lessons, has done even worse than that. I should like to know whether you yourself were not young once, and have not played as many pranks as others? I have heard say that you were a sad fellow in your time, that you played the gallant among the most gallant of those days, and that you never gave in until you had gained your point.

      ARG. It is true, I grant it; but I always confined myself to gallantry, and never went so far as to do what he has done.

      SCA. But what was he to do? He sees a young person who wishes him well; for he inherits it from you that all women love him. He thinks her charming, goes to see her, makes love to her, sighs as lovers sigh, and does the passionate swain. She yields to his pressing visits; he pushes his fortune. But her relations catch him with her, and oblige him to marry her by main force.

      SIL. (aside). What a clever cheat!

      SCA. Would you have him suffer them to murder him? It is still better to be married than to be dead.

      ARG. I was not told that the thing had happened in that way.

      SCA. (showing SILVESTRE). Ask him, if you like; he will tell you the same thing.

      ARG. (to SILVESTRE). Was he married against his wish?

      SIL. Yes, Sir.

      SCA. Do you think I would tell you an untruth?