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Etext by Dagny
This play is dedicated to my daughter Michelle Morlock As a special Christmas present 2002. Just for being you.
CHARACTERS:
Moliere
Cavalier
Brecourt
Duparc, called Big Rene
Baron
Louis XIV
A fine wit
A Marquis
Chief Mechanic
Brigadier
Madelaine Bejart
Armande Bejart
Pierrette LaForet, servant of Moliere
Madelaine, daughter of Moliere
Two pretty ladies
An old lady
Workers, ladies and gentlemen, musicians, etc.
Act I The Limousin
Act II Versailles
Act III Auteuil
Act IV Paris
Act V Paris
The Limousin. Trees and rocks on a height. A crossroads in the distance. Brecourt is in a horse-drawn cart which stops on the stage.
Brecourt (getting out of the cart)
This place seems to me disposed as we would like for a resting
place, food, and a nap. The peasants, indeed, told us we would find a
shaded fountain at the top of the slope.
(Duparc is coming down a path and lowering his musket. He whistles
for his dogs.)
Duparc
Tiburce! Artaban!
Brecourt
Will you forget your mutts for a while and come help me to unpack
our provisions? We will be fine here. The carriage cushions for the
ladies' seats. The hamper with food. All nice! We won't lack anything.
We are set. And suppose we were to light a fire?
(Duparc helps Brecourt unload a big, square hamper, some cushions
and diverse utensils from the cart.)
Duparc
Fire? What for?
Brecourt
To cook the game you proceeded to kill on the way.
Duparc
Bad joke. You only think of your gut, and forget this poor horse
who's worth more than all of us.
(Duparc lets the horse out of its harness.)
Brecourt
I think first of those of my species.
Duparc
Our species is the worst of all, Brecourt. The men are worth
nothing. Are our companions on the way?
Brecourt (looking to the rear of the theatre and leaning on
the rocks)
Our chief is climbing the side and the ladies are coming on their
light feet, beating the bushes like school kids on vacation.
Duparc
Yes, yes, according to their custom, always laughing, gossiping, or
standing around gaping, while we die of hunger and thirst waiting for
them! My stomach is hollow. All right, I'm going to put this poor horse
in the shade. My dogs have already found a good corner. (leaving with
the horse)
Brecourt (alone)
Who could believe that misanthrope is, on the boards, the best
laugh getter in the troupe? The public never suspects the true feelings
of the joyous Fat Rene. The public never knows that the mask which
laughs and grimaces is often stuck to the face of the comedian by his
tears!
(Pierrette, very poorly dressed with a torn and patched shirt,
enters from the right.)
Pierrette (turning back and speaking to someone offstage)
Come, young ladies, be joyous and gay, and don't run through the
wheat and ruin your beautiful clothes.
Brecourt (aside, observing Pierrette from the depths of the
stage)
Who the devil is this pretty little peasant talking to? To her
geese— God forgive me.
Pierrette (thinking herself alone)
Oh! That's what those young girls must be warned against often!
Because you have such a light-weight brain. Not like me, always
thinking of something. Let's see, what was I thinking about so
carefully? I was really thinking about eating—but damn—I don't even
have a crumb to nibble on. Could go to sleep—but I also have to think
about watching my geese—and these two ideas never will work together.
Damn. I really would be bored, being all alone on the mountain if I
didn't have my sharp wit to keep me company. Still, they say at the
farm that I am simple. (changing her voice and imitating someone) “A
big goof who is sixteen and doesn't know a thing.” (returning to her
own voice) Oh, yeah, if someone showed me something, I'd know
something. (noticing Brecourt) Oh, oh. (starts to move away)
Brecourt
Well, now, my child, did I frighten you so much?
Pierrette
Oh, eh, a whole lot, sir. Don't hurt me. I wasn't talking to you.
Brecourt
You're a real savage, my sweet—and yes—you were talking all by
yourself just now—very freely.
Pierrette
You were listening to me, then? Look—who would have known it? But
I didn't say anything bad about you. I wasn't thinking just about you.
Brecourt
I believe it. Anyway, I don't intend to hurt you. Here—you know
what this is? (showing her a coin)
Pierrette
I don't know much. I don't know how to count money.
Brecourt
You don't earn anything from your life as a goose-girl?
Pierrette
Indeed, I do. I earn my bread. They give me shoes in the bargain.
Brecourt
Well, how'd you like to earn this money?
Pierrette
Certainly not, sir, if it requires me to do something against the
King's good.
Brecourt
Ha! Ha! You stand for the King, do you?
Pierrette
Me? Damn—I don't know.
Brecourt
Do you know who the King is?
Pierrette
I've never seen him.
Brecourt
But, you fear rebels?
Pierrette
Oh, yes, for sure.
Brecourt
Who are these rebels?
Pierrette
Damn, they say that—my word, I don't know. You say so many things
that I don't get. They talk like that at home: that you must act for
the good of the King—and those—I don't know much more about it.
Brecourt
Never mind. I won't ask you any more about it. Would you like to
assist us, my friends and me, in having lunch under those trees?
Pierrette
And, where are your friends?
Brecourt (escorting her to the rear)
Here—see them climbing up here?
Pierrette
Oh—the fashionable, pretty people, all in brave city clothes. We
don't often see people like that around here. But, if they want to ask
me to lunch—I have nothing to give them—first of all.
Brecourt (pointing to the basket and placing it in the middle
of the stage)
We've got everything we need right here, and you'll have your share
if you help us.
Pierrette
What have I got to do? Hold your horse? Oh, I know all about
horses. I'll twist his reins so he cannot escape. But, who's that
gentleman coming this way? Is he a priest? He's all dressed in black.
Brecourt
No, he's an actor. It's our boss.
Pierrette
Oh, he's an actor? I don't know what that is, but it's not my
custom—
(Moliere, on foot, leads in another horse pulling a cart. Brecourt
goes and tries to help him.)
Brecourt
Well, Moliere. Haven't I found a pretty dining spot? I've seen to
everything, for I've already got a page. (pointing to Pierrette)
There's a spring under the rocks where we can fill our canteens.
Moliere
That's your job, my dear Brecourt, to be the first. See—ladies,
isn't he a model man? In the theatre, on tour, everywhere, isn't it he
who is always working for the pleasure of others?
Armande
He has to be nice for two. For his friend, Duparc, and for himself.
Moliere
Duparc also comes at all your commands, Miss Armande.
Brecourt (to Pierrette who now holds the horse)
Let's go give them hay.
Pierrette
Oh, I really know how to care for the animals. Say, ladies, will
you watch mine while I do that?
Armande
What do you mean?
Pierrette (pointing to the wings from which she entered)
Yes—my geese, who are over there in the tall wheat.
(Pierrette and Brecourt exit with the horse.)
Armande (laughing)
Good, count on it.
Moliere
Well, gang, you see—you wanted to follow my wandering fortune, and
often I can only offer you a seat of turf and a roof of leaves. It's
much too wearying and adventurous for delicate women.
Madelaine
Up to now I haven't felt tired, and our adventures seem to me more
diverting than intimidating. I love it, this vagabond life and I didn't
imagine it to be as agreeable as it is in your company.
Moliere (looking at Armande from time to time)
You say that not to hurt me, well knowing that I would like to give
you all the comforts, and that I suffer from being powerless to take
the barbs from your path. What a generous charity is yours, Madelaine.
Only a word from you provides courage and consolation.
Madelaine
You don't seem to recognize yourself, Moliere; for you are my
model— and it's you I force myself to resemble to be satisfied with
myself.
Armande
Oh, my God—what compliments! Are you both playing a role?
Madelaine
I speak my thoughts—which ought to be yours as well, Armande.
Armande
Oh, my thought—well here it is for the moment: I'm hot, I'm
hungry, I'm bushed.
Moliere
Poor little beauty. Let's hurry the lunch.
(Moliere goes to the basket. Armande rises.)
Madelaine
Not before our friends who are taking the trouble to be here to
begin with us. Don't indulge the child, my friend. Doesn't she have to
learn to be patient and suffer like the others? She wanted to travel
with us, she wanted to be an actress. I found her to be still too
young, but you forced me to let her go—and now that she's here—she
must learn to bear things without complaining.
Moliere (to Armande, who hangs her head)
Your sister is, alas, right, Armande. You've got to be patient. (he
places his hands behind him, raises the cover of the basket, picks out
food and surreptitiously passes it to Armande) You must be temperate
and believe what your sister tells you.
Armande
All right, I'll try. Thanks for the lesson, my good friend. I am
going to take a walk while waiting for lunch, to exercise my patience.
(leaves, nibbling)
Madelaine
Moliere, Moliere! You love that little girl too much!
Moliere
I love her as if she were my child.
Madelaine
As if she were your child! You are not more than thirty—and she's
soon to be fifteen. Are you of age to be a tutor?
Moliere
It seems so, yes. I think that she is your niece, and that I am her
father, because I consider you to be my sister. The solid friendship
which unites me to you, Madeleine fills my life with courage and
strength; the holy tenderness I have for Armande cheers up my leisure
and softens my heart. It's from you that I receive whatever good I have
in my soul—and it's to her that I wish to have the power to confer a
benefit that is owed more to her than to me.
Madelaine
You don't love us in the same way, I know that—but doesn't she
have the best part? It's eight years since you and I began sharing the
same burdens and the same fortune—and it's hardly six months since my
sister has been with us—and already she occupies you more than is
right.
Moliere
What! Madeleine, does friendship exist with jealousy?
Madelaine (shaking)
Friendship is jealous of confidence. Listen, Moliere; I want yours,
I demand it. Show me the bottom of your heart. Do you feel love for
Armande? If that is so, I demand that you do not hide it away any more
from me. I will redouble my efforts to render my sister worthy of you,
and I will serve her faithfully as a tutor and mother—to join her fate
to yours as soon as she's of age to marry.
Moliere (a bit moved)
Are you speaking seriously, Madeleine?
Madelaine (moved, but containing herself)
I swear it to you, by our friendship.
Moliere
Well, I, by reason of the respect I have for you, I swear that I've
never thought of marriage without fear and aversion. I'm the man on
earth least capable of fixing himself in eternal chains. Not that I
have a flighty character—inconstancy is ingratitude, and anyway—I'd
be too jealous to give my wife the example of infidelity, but to have a
companion, you have to make her happy, and mine would never find
anything of interest in the things that preoccupy me—you know, quite
well—I have only one passion—that's theatre—that I've sacrificed
everything to it—my relatives, my future, myself. Heir to certain
commercial funds, and of a situation lucrative enough in the King's
household, son of a legal family, a graduate if you please! Haven't you
seen me leave it all to attach myself to a wretched profession, that
the world considers degrading? I was thrust by an unknown force— by a
stubbornness of my destiny even stronger than my will. And still,
though I don't see the end of my disappointments, of my troubles, and
my obscurity—nothing will make me relinquish my plan. I intend to give
all my time,—all my attention, all my thoughts. I will not allow
myself to be distracted, neither by feelings of my heart, nor by
burdens of the family. You see clearly then, I ought not to marry—at
least until I become very rich, very celebrated—(smiling) Which is not
very likely. What do you think?
Madelaine
I know your determination, and I am concerned with your interests
to the extent that neither of us should marry. However, on that score,
Moliere, you ought not to love my sister, and I have reason to be
uneasy.
Moliere
No, Madeleine, you have no reason to be—for I'm a gallant man and
you know so, quite well.
Madelaine
Then, you will give me your honest and considered word that you
will always look on Armande with the eyes of a brother?
Moliere
Yes, my young friend, receive it before God.
Madelaine
I believe it, and I count on it.
Brecourt (from the rear of the stage)
Moliere! Hey! Moliere!
(Moliere goes towards Brecourt.)
Madelaine (aside)
I believe it, and I count on it—and yet I'm worried.
Brecourt
Here's a nice piece of luck! We have everything for lunch except
some bread—which we forgot. (pointing to Pierrette) But, this little
girl says there's a farm near here where we can get some. I'm off.
Moliere
No, it's up to me to do something for the others. Stay put.
Pierrette
Oh, it's quite close. Look—at the end of this field.
Madelaine (to Moliere)
I am going with you.
Moliere
Fine, come. But, where's Armande?
Brecourt (looking toward the wings)
There—on the very road you are going to take. As for me, I am
going to fetch water. (to Pierrette) You, watch our stuff.
(All exit except Pierrette.)
Pierrette
Oh, golly! There's no danger. Not many people go that road. It's
all the same. They tell me to watch. I am going to watch. (sitting
against a tree, with her back to the basket, she begins to yawn) This
way I can watch my geese—who are there—very nice—they're all
sleeping. Oh, lazy ones, to sleep like that at midday. (she falls
asleep)
Cavalier (in the crossroads, striking his horse who is
resting)
Come on! Courage, cursed beast. Are you already winded? (now
whipping the horse who runs away) Eat, go to sleep, croak, do what you
want and go to the devil. (coming forward, wiping his brow) I'm as
tired as my mount and if I thought about it, I'd let myself fall. But
the will must serve man, especially during great dangers. Ho! This
place seems to be occupied. (examining the cart and reading the
inscription: “Props of Moliere") Moliere—Now, what is that? (puts his
head into the cart and comes out with several theatrical accessories)
Armor, rapiers, pikes of golden wood. These are not men of war—but
country actors. I ought to get a bargain. They'll have to give me their
horse. Where are they, then? (seeing Pierrette) Hey, shortie! (shaking
her) Hey, up and at 'em. Wake up! Answer!
Pierrette
Oh, what's going on? Are you one of the people who are going to
lunch here?
Cavalier
I wish. Hot damn! Yes, I am. What are you going to eat?
Pierrette
Here, this basket of food. Only the bread is missing, and they've
gone to find it.
Cavalier
Bread! Oh! No big deal! (sitting on the basket and raising its
cover)
Pierrette
Are you going to start to eat without waiting for your friends?
That's not very nice.
Cavalier
Is that so?
Pierrette (aside)
Oh, what evil eyes he has! Maybe he's a thief. I'm going to warn
the others, I am. (she escapes)
Cavalier
Nice meeting, God's my witness. Fortune follows me everywhere. Come
on—with confidence and audacity, and the goose hangs high. (beginning
to carve a fowl) My seven men ought to have returned. Seven men against
all France, yes—but I am the eighth.
(Brecourt, holding a stick behind him, approaches without the
Cavalier observing him. After watching the Cavalier for a moment,
Brecourt straddles the basket facing the Cavalier.)
Brecourt
Enjoy your dinner—my friend.
Cavalier (taking a bottle from the basket)
Many thanks—to your health.
(Brecourt raises his stick, but the Cavalier rapidly pulls a pistol
from his belt.)
Cavalier
Easy my friend. I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. I'm in a hurry. But, I
have money and I'll pay those who oblige me—and kill anyone who
bothers me.
Brecourt (drawing his rapier)
Kill—if you can, for I am very determined to bother you.
Cavalier (putting aside his pistol and drawing his rapier)
If you take those tones—fine. (aside) In my opinion, I am doing
this gentleman ill. A fight can only slow me down.
Brecourt
Well, sir, I am at your service. Do you recoil already?
Cavalier
Not at all; but shall we cut each other's throats for so little?
Sell me your share of this dinner, for if I had a kingdom, I would give
it right now for a slice of bread.
Brecourt
Sir, I am not a victualler, and do not keep an inn. I'm much
distressed to shame you, but, it's necessary, if you please, that you
receive a little lesson for having touched things confided to my care
without permission. Choose either rapiers or sticks.
Cavalier
So—you insist. I am sorry for you, I swear.
(They cross swords.)
Moliere (entering with the others and separating their swords
with his cane)
Stop it, gentlemen! Brecourt, what's all this?
Brecourt
Leave me alone, leave me alone, Moliere. I'm by way of teaching a
tourist with too much appetite a little lesson. I surprised him
plundering our provisions.
Moliere
This case is grave because we too have a great appetite. Look here,
famished sir, what have you to say in your defense?
Cavalier
Sir, since you don't appear to me disposed to see this in a tragic
light, I will confess to you. I acted a little cavalierly. The fatigue
to which I am succumbing can alone excuse me. I intended to leave my
purse in payment of my pillage. I offered it to your comrade, who
refuses to listen. He's a bit of a hot head.
Moliere (going close to the cavalier and examining him)
He's the sweetest and the best of men, but proud and very
brave—and there's nothing in his character which should surprise you,
for you yourself—
Cavalier
Well, what is it? Why are you looking at me that way?
Moliere
Because, may I die, but I know you.
Cavalier (lowering his voice, but in a commanding tone)
You are mistaken! You don't know me at all.
Moliere (low)
That commanding tone. That Eagle's look. Oh, pardon me, sir, I know
you very well, and whoever sees you once, will not forget you. (aloud)
Brecourt, I know this gentleman. He's a gallant man, though a little
abrupt. I have spoken to him. Serve him lunch, set out one more place.
(The other characters busy themselves, coming and going from the
rear of the theatre.)
Cavalier
You say you know me? Well—lying is distasteful to me, and even to
save my destiny, I wouldn't lower myself to it. Look—what are you
planning to do? (turning and looking behind him) You are three against
me, but you ought to know, even were there ten of you, you won't take
me easily.
Moliere
Were we as many as twenty, I know. Have a good enough opinion of me
to think that I yield from respect more than from fear, believe also,
sir, that it is not your rank which dazzles me, but to genius, to
valor, to misfortune, perhaps, that I feel compelled to pay respect.
Cavalier
To misfortune? Yes or no—who can say? God is the Master. You, sir,
you appear to me to be a man of sense. Keep my secret, and count on it,
if I live, you will be greatly rewarded one day.
Moliere
Sir, although the King has not given me the duty of protecting his
kingdom, I could seize your person by violence—(the cavalier smiles)
—or by treachery. (the cavalier shivers) So, for violence, I
cannot help having respect for your person—and as for treachery—sir,
look at me, and see if you think I am capable of it.
Cavalier (after a pause, during which he looks at Moliere)
Man never saw a more masculine and more honest face! I trust you.
Moliere
You do well to do so. (to his friends) Come friends, to table—to
table. (to Cavalier) This is a reception. Each does here what he can—
and you know better than we what it is to live in the country.
Brecourt (to Cavalier)
The gentleman has won his case! Well, since you are a friend of
Moliere, take it. I regret having hindered you.
(They sit down, the ladies on their cushions, the men on some stumps
or some rocks which they place around the basket which they use as a
table.)
Moliere
This gentleman is a man of quality. I don't have the honor of being
his friend, but I've had the honor of seeing him at court where I was
through inheriting offices attached to the person of His Majesty Louis
XIII.
Cavalier (shaking)
The late King.
Moliere
I followed the King and I saw Richelieu, on his deathbed, give to
the executioner the heads of Cinq-Mars and de Thou. He was cruel, but
he was great, like tragedy. What we see today is only comedy.
Cavalier
Ah! You think so?
Brecourt
We share the world's opinion.
Duparc
It's not even good comedy, 'cause it's ridiculous, but not
entertaining.
Cavalier
And Mazarin is not, in your opinion, a Richelieu?
Duparc
I don't know about your opinion. I'm not used to hiding mine.
Mazarin—
Brecourt
Mazarin is whatever you please. Right now I am for him as Turenne
is for him.
Cavalier
Ah—you are for Turenne?
Brecourt
Gad, yes, sir—for I served under his orders—and no one can tell
me he is not the greatest man of these times.
Moliere (seeing the Cavalier's agitation)
The gentleman thinks so himself, for he is attached to his service.
Cavalier (starting)
Me?
Moliere
Why, yes. Didn't you tell me you were intrusted with an important
mission and that you are busy with it?
Cavalier (smiling)
Yes, yes. You are right. That's the way it is, which must serve as
my excuse to this gentleman, (pointing to Brecourt) for having
violently laid hands on his preparations for this country meal. (to
Brecourt) Since you wear the armor of war, my brave fellow, you know
quite well that hunger and thirst are two big devils that don't waste
time talking.
Brecourt
Well, yes, I admit that; they often act as you do—treating their
own country as a conquered province. So much the worse for the poor
peasant! So much the worse for the poor traveler.
Duparc
Still, he became an actor from disgust at his job of pillager—and
for the sole purpose of becoming a good citizen again.
Moliere (laughing)
The gentleman will determine later, if to expiate his sins, he
agrees to play your role.
Brecourt
While waiting, I give him the health of the Great Turenne.
Cavalier
I'll drink to that, and that of the King, if it seems good to you.
Madelaine
I, woman that I am, propose a toast to the Queen. She is as
unfortunate as he is.
Armande
As for me, I drink to the Prince! I am young. Long live the Prince!
Cavalier
Truly, my beautiful child?
Armande
I have a contradictory disposition and cannot bear to march like
others.
Moliere (laughing)
Armande is just to herself.
Armande
And you, Duparc, called Big Rene, aren't you drinking to anyone?
Well, I want you to do me justice, and I propose a toast to the health
of your two dogs, Tiburce and Artaban.
Duparc (raising his glass)
Long live the dogs! They alone are honest and faithful in this
world.
Pierrette (seated on the ground near Armande)
Oh, well—hail to the geese. They are good creatures, too. They
don't have a drop of malice.
Moliere
Toast the beasts as much as you wish. The most humble creatures are
the work of the Great Artificer of the Universe, whose beautiful nature
is a temple open to all men, even a poor excommunicated actor. But
since we are by way of making toasts, let's drink to the poor people of
France who pay for the music at all the feasts and the trumpets at
every war! What do you say to that, dear guest?
Cavalier
Long live France and it's people. So be it!
Moliere
Alas, France—where is it at this point in time?
Cavalier
Sir, it is where it's true interests are—and not everyone can be
judge of that.
Moliere
There are quite a few theories about that, but I am a poor man who
is not very practical and who goes moralizing and philosophizing in my
way over evident facts. I think, hopefully I do not offend you, that
today no party represents France. The Old Regime, the Young Regime, the
parliament, the people of the towns and the country who fight,
sometimes for this one, sometimes for that one, without knowing which
way to turn—all these scarves, all these flags, only represent
passions, interests, ambitions—of the mighty; and of the poor—
ignorance, restlessness, despair. In the midst of your conflicts,
France is dying—the countryside laid to waste, religion is corrupted
and the arts perish. Well, here's a being innocent of any passions. A
child of fifteen who calls himself Louis the XIV and who, by the will
of God is invited to personify the unity of France. He alone can reign
without calling foreigners into France, and thereby proves his cause
is, during the times in which we live, legitimate. Good God—what an
education the facetious are providing him. This poor child, an
education in civil war—which reminds me—but I am boring you with a
tale which is inopportune.
Cavalier
Concerning the young King? Speak, speak. That will interest
everyone.
Moliere
Well, it was a day that the King, still in diapers, wept a great
deal, and could not be comforted. Her Majesty, the Queen thought of
sending for Scaramouche.
Cavalier
Scaramouche?
Moliere
Yes, Tiberio Fiorelli, the famous Scaramouche, a very pleasant
actor, who, like all the professional clowns had a very melancholy
disposition. I was his student, and he took me with him to carry his
guitar—his dog, his cat, his monkey—and his parakeet. The King didn't
stop crying—he made his animals jump and dance, but the King wept even
more. Then Scaramouche requested they put the King in his arms and they
did. Suddenly, stopping all his grimaces and looking at the royal child
with a very severe air, he said: “Oh King, keep your tears for the day
when you learn to know mankind.” This was spoken in such a very grave
tone, and with eyes so full of pity, and struck the child like a
prophesy, you would have thought he understood, for his tears stopped
abruptly. With his little hands, he caressed the cheeks and the long
moustache of Scaramouche. The Queen gave him a beautiful gold chain,
saying: “"So, Scaramouche, you are much wiser than we think, or you
speak more truly than you know.”
Cavalier
Your story is pleasant, but what moral do you draw from it?
Moliere
That the time has come for the King to weep, indeed, if he loves
France, and to scream very loud if he wants to save her.
Cavalier
Let him shout then: “Help me, my friends” and his true friends will
save him.
Moliere
His true friends are not those who are trying to dethrone him, or
to shred the remnants of the nation.
Cavalier
In fact, sir—
Pierrette (who left a few moments before, returns all
breathless)
Hey, sir, hey—your horse, that you left with his bridle on, is
jumping around like the devil himself and trying to eat the others.
Cavalier
Ah—so much the better. I thought he was done for. (going out)
Armande (to Moliere)
Who is that guy? He doesn't seem to think like you at all.
Moliere
I will tell you soon, when he's gone. Pack up, everybody.
(Brecourt and Duparc begin to pack up the utensils.)
Pierrette
Oh! You're going so soon? Just as I was getting used to you, and
I'm going to be bored not to have anyone to speak to.
Moliere
Eh! This kid is sweet. She doesn't look stupid.
Pierrette
Oh, indeed, sir, I am stupid. They tell me so, all the time, and no
one wants to keep company with me. But, I'm in good spirits anyhow!
And, if you could take me to fatten your fowl, to watch your geese or
milk your cows—
Moliere
I'd really like to, but the trouble is, I haven't any such
creatures. Look, do you know how to help and care for people?
Pierrette
Try me! I can learn.
Moliere
Ladies, you don't have a maid, and you're looking for one. Won't
this one please you with her good humor?
Madelaine
Indeed. What's your name, child?
Pierrette
Pierrette LaForet, at your service, Miss.
Madelaine
Don't you have relatives who would be opposed to it?
Pierrette
I have neither father, nor mother, nor uncles, nor aunts. I am a
child of God. I was found in the middle of the woods, and that's why
they gave me the name of LaForet.
Moliere
She's got wit without being aware of it. Take her, ladies. What do
you earn?
Pierrette
My keep, which I really need. It's a pound of bread for each day of
the year.
Madelaine
That goes without saying. And your wages?
Pierrette
Oh, I don't understand anything about such things. You will give me
whatever you please.
Moliere
Well, your candor proves you've got a good heart. Come with us, and
you won't be sorry.
Pierrette
Oh, you bet—right away! I'm going to return my geese and thank the
people of the farm. (leaves)
Moliere
Friends, leave me alone for a bit with our guest—for here he is,
ready to leave.
(All exit except Moliere and the Cavalier.)
Cavalier
Before being on my way, Mr. Moliere, I want to thank you for your
hospitality, and to offer you my services. I think your character
doesn't agree with your profession. Wouldn't you like to change it?
Moliere
No, Prince, I love it, this situation. I want to live in it and to
die in it.
Cavalier
Well, you are, I suppose, a serious tragic actor. These troubled
times will pass. Then you could be engaged at the Hotel Bourgogne.
Moliere
My ambition is not so great.
Cavalier
Or you have a greater? Speak.
Moliere
May the Prince pardon me, but I love only the verse of the great
Corneille, and I feel myself unequal to it.
Cavalier
Modesty.
Moliere
Not at all. My mood is jovial, and not heroic.
Cavalier
You prefer comedy?
Moliere
Yes, but I am only amused by those I create myself.
Cavalier
Ah! You're an author?
Moliere
Not at all. I only write sketches on which my comrades and I
embroider the impromptu dialogues after the manner of the Italians.
Cavalier
That type requires great wit.
Moliere
It needs much of nature and observation of human characters. The
exercise pleases and interests me more than any book.
Cavalier
Well, this entertainment is pleasing to educated people, as well as
the people, and if I enter into my estate—
Moliere
Don't promise me anything, Milord, for to content me, you would
have to engage my entire troupe—of whom you've only seen a few here.
All the members are not good—yet I will never abandon them to the
world for anything. These poor folks who depend on me to resist the
rigor of fate. For now we have only a boon to ask of you.
Cavalier
Speak quickly, for I'm in a hurry to grant it.
Moliere (smiling)
And to leave. Well, Prince, it would be to submit to the King. To
end this civil war which disturbs us and wrongs us deeply—and tosses
us from province to province—through many mishaps and perils. If you
would grant us that, I would hold you quit of all the rest.
Cavalier (smiling)
We'll do our best, Mr. Moliere. Pray for the King to help us a
little. While waiting, please accept this little present in memory of
the kind reception you gave me. (giving Moliere a ring)
Moliere
Sir, I did nothing to deserve this—Prince.
Cavalier (haughtily)
What! Sir—you pretend to have given me alms?
Moliere
I know, these days, it is forbidden for a man in modest condition
to refuse money from a great man, and refusal passes for impertinence,
which places him in disgrace. But, we are not in an ordinary situation,
and I speak the truth to you, as becomes an honest man, and it becomes
a great man to listen. Prince, you are deliberately betraying the King
and France. My duty would be to disrupt your plans at the risk of my
life—and if I do not do so—it's because you are a hero and that, I
hope, when this intoxication of vengeance you are now suffering from
dissipates—you will yourself realize it. That's why I do not repent of
showing you respect and having humbly shared my bread with you. But, it
would be felony to my Sovereign to accept the least reward—and you
must not insist further. If you blush, Milord, at receiving assistance
from a poor devil of my type—forget it quickly. It's not to be thought
that I will ever find myself in your way to make you recall it. (bows
deeply and withdraws)
Cavalier (alone)
That fellow is very odd! He love and respects my person, which is
sacred to him; he detests my work, which seems criminal to him! He's a
man of great sense, whose bearing and words are singular. It's true his
lovely profession places him outside the great interests and grand
passions of this world. In what strange places is honesty found.
(dreaming for a moment, then waking abruptly from his reverie) But, I
haven't put myself en route with so much mystery and in the face of so
many perils to let myself be stopped by such reasons.
(The Cavalier starts to leave and encounters Pierrette, who is
returning.)
Cavalier
Hey! Little girl, I beg your pardon.
Pierrette
What's wrong now?
Cavalier
Come, my child. Your face reveals you are an honest person. You
will take this ring for me and give it to the beautiful Armande—the
youngest of the actresses, and you will beg her for me, to keep it as a
souvenir of me. And this is for you, my girl. (giving her a ring and
money, he leaves)
Pierrette
What do you give me money for? (raising her head) Right! Far away
already. (looking at the rings) He's mounted on his horse. Didn't take
long. He's off like a bolt of lightning. Oh, golly, he isn't dull, that
fellow.
(Moliere, Armande and the others return.)
Pierrette (to Armande)
Here, Miss! Here's a bauble which the gentleman who was here just
now gave me for you. He said to tell you: “You will tell her—” Oh,
blast-—I can't remember what he told me to tell you.
Armande (taking the ring)
A present for me? Oh, beautiful ring. Look here, sis, a big
diamond.
Madelaine
A present? And by what right does this stranger give you a present?
Armande
You're not going to take it away from me?
Madelaine
Yes, to give it to some poor person. You mustn't receive presents.
Armande (weeping)
See, Moliere. She's a tyrant! My sister takes everything from me,
and tricks me in everything.
Moliere (to Madelaine)
Friend, you can leave this toy to the child. There's nothing to
fear from the man who sent it to her. He's too far from us for him to
have any design on her.
Armande
Is he a great person, then?
Moliere
More than that—he's a great man.
Duparc
Really? I thought he had the look of a lunatic.
Brecourt
And to me, like a devil. I am not a coward and I think I've given
proof of it. Well, while I crossed swords with him, his eyes penetrated
me with flashes which prevented me from seeing his blade.
Moliere
Brecourt, perhaps it would have been better if you had killed him,
who knows? But, God's plans are hidden, and I felt a superior force
which obliged me to preserve him from your blade.
Armande
My God—who is he, then? Oh, my dear Moliere—tell me quick!
Moliere (looking all around)
Has he gone?
Pierrette
Oh, he's far away!
Moliere
Well, ladies, well, my friends, that man—was the Prince.
Madelaine
The Prince Conde?
Moliere
The Great Conde.
Brecourt
Alone in the country when everyone thinks he's at the frontier?
Duparc
Damn! I understand. He's going to rejoin the Army of the Princes.
He's going to march on Paris with the foreigners, kidnap the King and,
perhaps, proclaim himself in the King's place—after having killed, or
had killed, thousands of people who are worth more than he is. (rushing
to the back of the stage and looking in the distance)
Brecourt
There he is, in the depth of the ravine. (Duparc shoulders his
musket to shoot) He's going to fight Turenne. Shoot, Duparc.
Moliere (lowering the weapon with his cane)
No, Duparc! That man, who has done so much good, may yet save
France— if he realizes the wrong he has done. Turenne, the Great
Turenne, yesterday, was with Conde against our King—tomorrow, perhaps,
the King will be with Conde against Turenne. We live in times when the
wisest commit great follies, when the craziest do unexpectedly great
deeds. May God breathe on the spirit of vengeance. Sometimes misfortune
is good. The little people learn that the quarrels of the great are not
their quarrels. Well, ladies, isn't it time to be on our way? What's
wrong, Armande? You are pale, and now you blush! What is agitating you
so?
Armande (absorbed)
The Great Conde gave me a ring—to me! Oh, he'll never forget me.
Alone, here, I drank his health! This beautiful ring! Now, sis, I defy
you to take it away from me. I intend to wear it all my life. It's
gorgeous, a diamond. It shines like the sun—like glory. To look at
this, and to think of that man—it's dizzying.
Moliere
Child, glory is turning your head!
Armande
Yes, yes, philosophize over it. You, who haven't got it, and will
never get it. As for me, I want it, and I've got it—since the Great
Conde paid attention to me!
Moliere
There's more than one way to arrive at glory, Armande. But, you're
no longer listening to me. (to Madelaine) She's lost her head, your kid
sister, and you will see—from now on, she will scorn you. (lowering
his voice) Well, do you still think I can plan to marry this proud one?
(going to the carriage which gets ready to move off)
Madelaine (aside God be blessed for this. Moliere will never have her now.
CURTAIN
At the Palace of Versailles. A waiting room, serving as a foyer for the actors. Mirrors, dressing tables. Doors in the back. A window giving on the gardens. A side door which leads to Moliere's dressing room.
(Moliere, dressed as Sganarelle, comes out of his dressing room with
Pierrette LaForet, who continues to dress him as he walks about.)
Moliere
Come on, come on, LaForet, that's enough. I'm ready—right?
(Moliere looks at the grandfather clock near the chimney.)
Pierrette
Hey, Mr. Moliere, give yourself time. What a hurry you are in.
Moliere
I am not in a hurry. I am rushed. Look at the time.
Pierrette
There's no use rushing. The court will not rush for you. The court
is still dining, and you have a long time to wait.
Moliere
Never mind, my child. The King ordered the performance for six
o'clock. Therefore, at six o'clock, it must be ready, and I, above all.
It's for us to await the pleasure of the King, not the other way
around.
Pierrette
Oh, very well, sir. But the King will wait for you a little. He
waited for Lully this morning.
Moliere
Really?
Pierrette
Oh, you didn't know that? Everyone in the house is talking about
it.
Moliere
But, Versailles is huge, and I can't be everywhere. What happened?
Pierrette
Well, sir, the King was waiting for—the—the—
Moliere
The symphony?
Pierrette
That's it! Mr. Lully didn't find the music or the musicians to his
plan. He made them rehearse two or three times. He was furious. He
broke the violin. The King and the court were impatient. The King sent
a page. Mr. Lully paid no attention. The King again sent a page.
Nothing doing. The King sent a third page, who spoke like this: “For
God's sake, Mr. Lully, the King is waiting for you.” Upon which, Mr.
Lully replied “The King is the master, right?” “Yes, sir.” “In that
case, sir, he is the waiting master.”
Moliere
That devil of a man. What a wit! Do you know if the King was angry?
Pierrette
They said he laughed heartily. So you see quite well, you don't
need to worry yourself so. These gentlemen and ladies don't move as
fast as you do. Miss Madelaine, I except—she is like you—always
rushed, but the other one—oh! How lazy she is.
Moliere
Armande?
Pierrette
It takes her an hour to adjust a ribbon or curl, and when she's
finished, she looks at herself in her mirror with great satisfaction-even when everybody is calling for her.
Moliere
You are unfair! For a long time now, she's been very hard working.
Pierrette
Yes, when you are watching her, 'cause she wants to please you.
Moliere (shaking)
She wants to please me? What are you talking about?
Pierrette
She's clever! She's noticed that you are getting richer every day.
Better treated by the great lords, better loved by the King—more
famous at court than in the city—and she knows quite well it's going
to be in her interest to satisfy you, to remain in your troupe, and to
play the best parts. It wasn't like that when you were a little boss of
a traveling barnstorming company that played in the fields as often as
in the chateau! She defied you, she lashed out at you—she treated you
rudely, and God knows, that you were not at that time, poor dear man!
And now that you've gotten on a little, she flatters you, she
manipulates you tactfully.
Moliere
You are saying I've become rude?
Pierrette
I'm not angry with you about it. You had so much trouble! Now you
seem tired.
Moliere
I seem tired? Give me my make-up so I can fix my face.
Pierrette
Eh! Not yet! Your make-up will fall off before you go on stage.
Look, take it easy for a bit. Sit in this armchair. Rest your legs. Do
you know that for the two weeks we've been here you haven't had three
hours sleep a night?
Moliere
What of it? Do you take me for an old man? Because you are twenty-five, like Armande?
Pierrette
You are not old! But, you are fortyish and you are no longer young.
Moliere
I hope that's true.
Pierrette
Not at all.
Moliere
Yes, I tell you. Hold your plaguey tongue.
Pierrette
Ah, now you're becoming rude.
Moliere (laughing)
No, I'm practicing a scene from the comedy I'm soon to play.
Pierrette
Why, it's true. It's from The Forced Marriage, where Sganarelle
doesn't want to have the age that his friend falsely claims he has.
But, you are not so old as Sganarelle, and you are not so mad as he to
think of womanizing.
Moliere
Why shouldn't I think about it?
Pierrette
Because you've always been against it.
Moliere
That's not a good reason.
Pierrette
Oh, indeed, if you are interested, I know a woman for you: Miss
Bejart.
Moliere
Armande, are you crazy?
Pierrette
Oh, how your mind has changed! She is much too young and too much
in love with herself. But, the elder Miss Bejart—who is a bit more
mature, and still a pretty woman. She is a person, you see, who has
heart, courage, and wit—almost as much as you.
Moliere
Poor Madelaine!
Pierrette
Well, sir, don't you love her any more?
Moliere
Indeed, with all my heart, as much as I esteem her. But, I've never
had more for her than an honest friendship.
Pierrette
Well, Mr. Moliere, in that case, what kind of friendship do you
want to have from your wife?
Moliere
You are right, Pierrette. (aside) This girl has terribly wise
thoughts. (aloud) But, why the devil are you talking to me? I never
intend to get married.
Pierrette
Oh, marry whoever you like! As for me, I will keep my place and
serve your wife, were she the devil in petticoats.
(Brecourt and Duparc enter.)
Moliere
Ah, my friends, you ready already? Good! Brecourt dressed as
Pancrace; Duparc as Marphorius. You are very fine doctors, and will act
well.
Brecourt
Don't worry: we know our roles, and the play pleases us. It's
short, but it is gay, and the characters are as well drawn as they
would be in a long play.
Duparc
Eh! In my opinion, that's the trouble. You start getting interested
in the characters at the moment the play ends.
Moliere
What do you want, my friend? Make a play, give it out, stage it,
rehearse it, and play it, all in forty-eight hours! With a ballet, yet!
Duparc
Yes, the play is only our excuse for the ballet, and the ballet an
excuse for the King's desire to dance in it.
Pierrette
Oh, the King is not at all reasonable. To ask for four new plays in
two weeks.
Moliere
The King knew that Tartuffe was ready. As for the Princess d'Elide,
he allowed me to have help.
Duparc
If you think to do good work that way, so be it. That's your look
out.
Brecourt
The least line of Moliere is a master stroke and Tartuffe is ready
to prove that the author of The Misanthrope hasn't lost anything.
Duparc (to Moliere)
And have you read it—Tartuffe—to the King?
Moliere
Yes.
Duparc
Completely?
Moliere
Sure.
Duparc
And, he likes it?
Moliere
The King is more indulgent than you, my friend. He told me he
doesn't know which to prefer—The Misanthrope or Tartuffe.
Duparc
How marvelous for the King to say that.
Brecourt
Well, what about you?
Duparc
I don't like the subject of Tartuffe—it will make enemies for
Moliere.
Moliere
Yes, at the court, but if the King and people are for me?
Duparc
Oh, you don't reckon with the nobility. You think they're dead
because your young King mocks them and you ridicule them?
Brecourt
The Fronde is buried, thank God!
Moliere
And, thanks to God, my friends, it's buried forever. The King is
young, the King is handsome, and the King amuses himself. He runs at
the ring and dances the ballet, and meanwhile, the King, who is, at
bottom, grave, solid, attentive, and cold—governs and pursues his
policy.
Duparc
No one would suspect it here! In the midst of tournaments, feasts,
fireworks, and Chinese lanterns, the King puts on the face of grandly
and lovingly courting his courtiers.
Moliere
The King, seeming to ruin himself, ruins his nobility, who he
attracts to his feasts. He intoxicates them with his seductions, he
wipes them out with his magnificence, he abases the pride of the
Chateaux and makes these proud lords gambol at his feet in the costumes
of buffoons, they, who think themselves his equals in their provinces
and who are learning from now on to efface themselves like little stars
in the rays of the Versailles Sun.
Brecourt
You see precisely, Moliere. The splendor of the King effaces that
of the lords and, perhaps, prepares that of the lowly. The young
nobility laughs at his feasts, because youth will amuse itself, even
though it kills them. But, the old Frondeurs are not taken in, and
twist their grey mustaches, accusing the King in whispers of only
protecting villains.
Duparc
I grant you that, for the thing is plain enough, but, beware that
the King has not also got bigots as well as go-getters. The posturing
courtiers had to swallow the pill in The Misanthrope, but too many
recognize themselves in Tartuffe, and they will ruin Moliere in the
books of the King, while waiting to ruin the King in the books of the
people.
Brecourt
You always see things in black.
Duparc
I see them as they are.
Moliere
May God protect us, my friends. And let's fulfill our task. A wise
King, a strong man, encourages us to tell the truth. Let's say it—
even if we must pay dearly for it, and he will disavow us for it one
day.
(Armande and Madelaine enter, dressed in fantasy costumes.)
Madelaine
Well, gentleman, don't you hear the fanfare and the oboes? The King
has left table and you've only got time to get on stage.
Moliere (to Pierrette)
Eh—quick, Laforet. The white, the red, my eyebrows, my grey beard!
You see plainly, I should have been ready. (arranging himself before
the chimney mirror)
Brecourt
No reason to rush yet. The court will take more than a quarter of
an hour to cross the enchanted grotto to the Chateau and be seated for
the comedy.
Moliere
You are all ready for the ballet, ladies? You look ready for an
inspection.
Madelaine
I am ready.
Moliere
And you, Armande?
Armande
I will be.
Duparc
Consider that the play begins in twenty minutes—that's less time
than it ordinarily takes you to place a pin. The King won't give
himself five minutes between the two raisings of the curtains to change
into an Egyptian.
Moliere
Where is Baron? Little Baron is also in the ballet.
Duparc
Oh, him! You cannot keep him. He'll have forgotten himself before
some sheet of water, not to contemplate the tritons and the bronze
naiads, but to satisfy the love of his own face like the handsome
Narcissus of foolish memory.
Moliere
What do you expect? He's handsome, that child, everybody likes him.
Necessarily, he's a bit pleased with himself.
Duparc
Yes, yes, you do well to encourage him in that. It's your business
to know what the finery of your adopted son costs you.
Brecourt
Well, if young Baron costs Moliere some silk and some lace, it
isn't any longer necessary to make a scene about these childish
amusements!
Duparc
The plague of a child of that type whose downy hair begins to dance
around the chin. Ask the chambermaids of the maids of honor who they
are discovering now!
Brecourt
Does he cost your wife something?
Duparc
I don't care about my wife. Since she gallops like a page in the
King's tournaments, it no longer seems that she's my wife, but rather
say, my groom.
(Moliere, having finished his make-up, makes all his actors go, and,
on the point of leaving himself, he turns back towards Armande, who has
remained near the window.)
Moliere
You're staying, Armande? The success of my comedy doesn't interest
you?
Armande
Indeed, I am following you. But I want to watch all the royal court
pass by from here.
Moliere
Ah, yes, all the handsome lords, all those marquises. (to
Pierrette, with a kind of uneasiness) Stay with her, I have no need of
you.
Pierrette
But, I want to see you act—and hold your cape in the wings.
(Moliere leaves, she follows him, saying in an aside) Miss Armande
knows quite well how to take care of herself when she's all alone.
Armande (alone at the open window)
Ah, here's the King's troupe. The Count d'Armagnac, the Duke Saint-Aignan, the Marquis de Soiecourt, the most adroit at rings after His
Majesty. The Marquis de Villeroy. (leaving the window) Moliere cannot
stand those Marquises—doubtless because he cannot be one. (arranging
her face before the mirror) The nobility, needless to say, have nothing
to acquire. That's why well-born people pardon commoners for having
wit, while those never pardon them for being forced to bear it. This
poor Moliere. How jealous he is of me. In truth, I love it, and I feel
great pleasure in enraging him. He's so nasty when he's in a rage and
so good when he's finished scolding—and so dumb when he begs my pardon
for the pain I've caused him.
(Armande goes back to the mirror, and doesn't turn when Baron enters
stealthily.)
Baron (moved)
Ah, here you are alone, Miss Bejart?
Armande
That you, Baron? What do you want with me?
Baron
To see you for a moment, since I've found such a good opportunity.
Armande, Well, and so?
Baron
Eh, if that's your way of receiving me, I'll never dare to say
anything to you.
Armande
It seems to me, you've got nothing to say to me that you haven't
already written. (she turns toward him, pulling a letter from her
pocket)
Baron
Oh, you got my letter! You read it! You've kept it, Armande.
(Baron starts to throw himself on his knees. Armande turns her back
on him, and goes back to the mirror.)
Armande
Yes, I kept it, to show to Moliere.
Baron
Oh! Don't do that, Miss. Do you want me to quarrel with him?
Armande
He'd be in his rights, for your billet-doux is very impertinent to
him. (opening the letter and reading it while leaning nonchalantly on
the chimney) “No, you no longer love, you will never love, Moliere—
right? He doesn't love you anymore. He is much too good for you, you
are much too young for him. Trust in a young heart filled with hope and
courage. As of yet, I can say nothing, but my love will make you
achieve fame and fortune, if you encourage me! Etc. etc.” It's very
pretty, all that; but Moliere will be little flattered by the respect
you advise me to bear to his gravity.
Baron
To offend, to denigrate Moliere! Oh, such is not my intention. I
was trying to prove to myself that this passion he supposedly has for
you was just that—a supposition. It was to strengthen my conscience,
which was a little frightened, perhaps, that I wrote you in this way.
Wait, Armande, decide for me! If it is true that he courts you—send me
away! Make me hopeless right away. It only takes a word to do that. I
feel that I love you, despite myself, more than I ought. That I love
you more than Moliere does! And yet, I know I ought to cherish Moliere
more than myself, and not be jealous, but happy over his joy! Yes, love
him, Armande. He is so good! Love him. I will be really happy! (breaks
into tears)
Armande (aside, surprised, watching him)
Yeah! There's a good, loving heart. (aloud) Come, come, my dear
Baron, a bit of courage, especially in front of people. You let your
feelings for me appear too obvious and Moliere will end up noticing.
Baron (trembling)
You fear Moliere?
Armande
Oh—I don't fear anybody! But, I don't want to get in a fight with
him, as you were saying just now.
Baron
He loves you, then?
Armande
I don't know, but since you yourself say so—
Baron
Armande, I don't think—I don't know a thing. I will only believe
what you wish to tell me. It's up to you to prevent me from going
astray.
Armande (pensively)
You have really got virtue in friendship. It's nice to see in a boy
of your age. But, that virtue would be disquieting for anyone tempted
to love you.
Baron
What do you mean, Armande? Armande! If you were to love me—
Armande
Well, if I had loved you, and if Moliere had cast his regard in
me— would Moliere's misfortune prevent you from realizing your
happiness?
Baron
Why all these ifs? Speak, if you love me and don't bandy words.
Armande
Oh! How the question is changed! First, you asked if Moliere loved
me.
Baron
How you make me suffer! Speak to me of yourself—of yourself alone.
Armande
No, I prefer to speak of Moliere first. Of Moliere, who you cherish
more than yourself—and you no longer want that?
Baron
Well, speak of him, then, and tell me that you love him.
Armande
Again, that's another matter. You cannot keep two ideas together,
Baron. The question was: do I love Moliere, and if, in that case, you
ought to court me.
Baron (crushed)
Tell me my doom! You love him?
Armande
You are as courageous as a knight! Here you are, ready to be cured
of your blazing passion if I say yes. You do not love me!
Baron
Cured! You say I will be cured? Indeed, death cures all ills.
Armande (laughing)
Ah, Baron, if you tell me you will die of it, I will be forced not
to let you die for so little, because I am not a tigress—and then—so
much the worse for Moliere.
Baron
You laugh, you joke at such a time. When I feel I am ready to
sacrifice to you my conscience—the first flower of my loyalty, all the
religion of my childhood. Armande, have pity on me! I thought that a
man's first love ought to be so pure, so sweet—and I would be
completely intoxicated by it.
Armande
If intoxicated, you would not be cured. I see that, and you are
putting me in mind of a quite chivalrous courage, which works on me in
turn. Be faithful to Moliere. I will be so, too—and the fear of
displeasing our mutual benefactor will prevent me from listening to
anybody's love.
Baron
Armande, you are killing me! Yes, yes, smile with
disdain—mock—find me ridiculous. Say that lovers always speak of
their love. I know nothing of the effects of love. I've not yet
experienced a despair like the one you caused me. But, I feel that, to
be cured of it, I'd have to give up half my soul. Goodbye! I think this
test was a cruel game to rid you of me—and that you sought ways in my
weakness to scorn me. But you laughed too soon, and if I am more
unhappy than I can say, at least I am not guilty. Don't laugh too much,
Armande, I am not a coward. You treat me like a child, but I have some
pride, and perhaps I will have enough, this time, to prove to you that
I am a man—a man that you want to break and who will perhaps succumb
to his sorrow, but not to your caprice. (he leaves impetuously)
Armande (alone)
Yes, he's a man! A strong man, too—and he would have had the
pleasure of conquering, despite his scruples of conscience! I laughed
too soon? No! One gets in deeper than one intends in this kind of
game—and Baron is not the spouse I need. He's young, he's handsome, he
pleases with his face and the tone of his voice, but he'll probably
never be more than a so-so actor. All right! Now, let's see how
Moliere's play is prospering at court.
(Taking up her petticoat, Armande gets ready to leave. Conde enters
with Madelaine.)
Conde
No, no, I will wait here for him. He'll have to return soon. I am
not dressed to be seen. His Majesty is giving me a private audience
after the ballet, and while waiting, I want to shake Moliere's hand in
this retired corner, which is more agreeable to a man fatigued by
campaigns and voyages, than the splendor of royal feasts. But, here's
your sister, if I am not mistaken!
Armande (recognizing him)
The Prince Conde! Ah, My God!
Conde
Pardon me, if after all the years elapsed without seeing you, I did
not recognize you at the feast. Those years have earned you in grace
all they have made me lose.
Armande (simpering)
Oh, Milord. I still have my ring, it never leaves me.
Conde
A thousand thanks (kissing her hand) (aside) Still the same
carefully studied innocence. (aloud) You must be an accomplished
actress by now. They say so everywhere. (turning to Madelaine) They say
so of you both.
Madelaine
We do our best to deserve the honors that the King grants to
Moliere's company.
Conde (to Madelaine)
Do you know, Miss, that when the news of Moliere's glory reached
me, in the tumult of the camps, in the doldrums of that life, I was not
the least surprised?
Armande
Your Highness remembered that this name belonged to a man you had
met for a moment on your travels?
Conde
Miss, those travels have much marked my life. They were too bold,
too perilous and crowned with too much success for me to have forgotten
the least circumstance. I had made nearly twenty-five leagues alone
across hostile territory, with a price on my head. Well, I was
recognized by only one man, who through great loyalty and generosity,
chose not to betray me, even though he was not one of my partisans and
disapproved of my undertaking. That man was Moliere, the divine
Moliere, who, in those days, cut a poor enough figure in the world, but
who from his air of frankness, grandeur and wisdom, I knew to be far
above the average. Since then, he's never written a play that I haven't
read with avidity. I even know The Misanthrope. Corneille was the
breviary of kings, Moliere, of all men.
Madelaine
Oh, if only Moliere could hear Your Highness's words! I will try to
remember them, to repeat them to him.
Armande
Truly, I didn't know he was so celebrated. I saw quite well that he
entertained the court agreeably enough, and the town, too. But, I never
thought they spoke of him in all the countries Your Highness as been
to, nor that his renown was so dear to the Great Conde.
Conde
It's because, living so close to this great star, you cannot see
how far his rays extend. And then, it's fit for youth and beauty to be
proud of themselves, and not to wish to shine except by their own
light. I may add to the list of your perfections, ladies, the praise of
your virtues, and as virtue is worthy of glory, I am pleased to render
you homage. But I hear a great bustle of noise. Perhaps the comedy is
over?
Madelaine
Yes, Milord. Moliere is going to rest here for a moment before the
ballet. I'll run to tell him.
Conde
No, please, let me go with you. I want to embrace him without
preamble and see if he recognizes me at first sight. (inviting her to
go ahead of him)
Madelaine
I obey. (they go out)
Armande (alone)
I've really done well to remain wise and to disdain equally bit
actors and great lords. Oh, glory! I'm speaking of the Great Conde.
Virtue can march side by side with glory. Yes, but they ought to unite
to obscure all the rest. Moliere, Moliere! Jealous, not young, but so
much glory—
Baron (rushing in)
Moliere's coming! Are you going to put suspicion in his heart and
show him my letter? Burn it, forget it, Miss, I beg you.
Armande
Me? Do I have any recollection that you said or wrote something?
Baron
Oh! My God!
Moliere (entering with Conde)
I think today is the most beautiful day of my life. The conqueror
remembers Moliere and wants to clasp him in his arms—for the love of
morality and truth. I could never ask of heaven greater recompense than
that I've had the approval of the greatest captain and most honest man
of his country.
Conde
After Turenne!
Moliere
With Turenne! Who knows one, honors the other. And these two great
rivals are aggrandized the more by reconciling. Ah, I told you, indeed,
Milord, that you would become the Sword of France.
Conde
We'll get back to that—and I really want to speak to you about it,
but we have no time to lose here, and I know that your profession needs
more order and presence of mind than mine. I leave you by asking you to
come to see me at Chantilly as soon as you've finished your engagement
at Versailles. (shaking Moliere's hand, noticing Brecourt) Ah, sir,
before you wanted to cut my throat. Your hand, too, I beg you. Ladies,
I am your humble servant. (to Moliere, who wishes to escort him) No,
sir. Don't leave your post. (pushing him away softly and leaving)
Moliere
The great man is right. To our business, kids, to our business!
Baron, are you ready? Go, sir. Yes, altogether, angels and goblins.
(Baron leaves.)
Madelaine
I am going to see if the Spanish singers are at their post. (she
goes out)
Pierrette (to Moliere)
And you, I hope, are going to rest a bit before you start to dance
again?
Moliere (sitting down)
Yes, I want to. Have I really thought of everything? Ah, I was
forgetting the most important thing. The King must go through here to
get to the theatre. Perhaps he'll want to use my dressing room to put
the last touches on his costume. Run and fix everything, dust, wipe the
mirrors, go!
Pierrette
Oh, the deuce. I was already Moliere's servant, and that was
something. Now, here I am, the King's servant. Who would have told me
that? (goes out)
Moliere (seated, worn out)
I told you, Armande, that you care nothing about my poor comedy.
Armande
I still know it has been a great success.
Moliere
How could you know? You weren't there.
Armande
Don't I know it is good and do you think that I know so little as
to question the success of your works?
Moliere
I would willingly give that handsome compliment in the wings for a
sign of interest while I am on stage. That's where I need a heart to
blow a little warmth into mine.
Armande
Didn't you know that I was kept here by the presence of Prince
Conde?
Moliere
Yes, by the simpering of some palace officer, or by the
childishness of Baron, whatever. Nothing pleases you and you are still
only fifteen.
Armande
No, my friend, I am twenty-five, and I observe, I reason, I
reflect, and I understand.
Moliere
Well, as for me, no longer twenty-five, I no longer give my spare
time to these cold constructions of wit. It's my heart that leads me in
those moments, and I feel that I love, and that I suffer.
Armande (caressing)
And, who do you love, Moliere?
Moliere (with anger)
Oh! It's not you!
Armande (stung)
I know I have too little merit for that, and that you cherish my
sister more than me.
Moliere
Yes, certainly. She's worth more than you.
Armande
Then, why don't you marry her? After all, she's eating her heart
out to wait on you and has had the time to grow young again.
Moliere
What are you telling me? You're a bad gossip. Neither your sister
nor I have ever thought of marrying each other.
Armande
As for her, it pleases her to say so. As for you, it's possible you
have a horror of marriage.
Moliere
Oh, I certainly have, especially since I met you.
Armande
In that case, Moliere, by what right do you want me to be so
attentive and loving to you?
Moliere (astonished)
I don't understand you at all! Don't I look on you as my daughter?
Shouldn't you love me as your father? And the friendship I demand from
you, perhaps it outrages your propriety?
Armande
Why, yes, it would, if I allowed myself to be carried beyond the
bounds of prudence and restraint.
Moliere (between emotion and scorn)
You mock, Armande? And you want to play the prude with a man who is
too just to respond to your provocations.
Armande (with aplomb)
If you call prudence virtue, Moliere, in that case, I have no
choice but to leave you forever.
Moliere
Leave me? And for what, my God? What whim is this? Ah! She's
driving me crazy!
Armande
It's not a whim, and I think I'm being wiser than you, Moliere, in
telling you, that I consider marriage the end wish of honest souls. I'm
determined to get married before it becomes too late to inspire my
husband with love; for I really want to be loved, and staying with you,
I am not. I'm flattered and courted on one side, and preached sermons
to on the other. I love wisdom and, neither the love shown me, nor the
remonstrances, do any good, since I resist seduction and don't deserve
any blame. So, I intend to get married, I tell you, and you must know
it, and my sister, too.
Moliere (pale and trembling)
And with whom, if you please, have you decided to marry?
Armande
As for that, I don't know yet. I really haven't thought about it.
Moliere (beside himself)
Tell that to the Marines, Armande. You love some one.
Armande
Eh! What's that to you?
Moliere (crestfallen)
You're right, it doesn't concern me, and I have no right to
question you. It's for your sister to know your feelings. Wait, here
she is. Talk together. (hiding his head in his hands)
Madelaine (entering)
What's wrong, Moliere? Are you ill? It looks as though you're
crying.
(Madelaine goes to Moliere, but he waves her away and hides his face
again. Madelaine stops, hesitating.)
Armande (aside)
Now's the time to get this over with. (aloud) It's nothing, sis. We
were quarreling. I intend to get married and he got carried away about
it. I ask you why.
Madelaine (shocked, aside)
Oh, I know well enough. (aloud) But, really, what's bothering him?
Speak, Moliere!
Moliere (rising and making an effort to control himself)
I have nothing to tell you, except that I think this sudden
decision is very strange—and the manner in which she just announced it
to me— outrageous! I thought myself her friend, her advisor, her
protector— and she mystifies me with her decisions! She can keep them
to herself or tell everybody. I wash my hands of them (sitting down
again)
Madelaine
Speak up, sis. Why not tell Moliere frankly who it is that you
love?
Armande
That's impossible for me to do.
Madelaine
But, you will tell me?
Armande
Yes, if you will promise me to keep it secret from the whole world,
and from him most of all. (pointing to Moliere)
Madelaine
You hear her, my friend. What should I do?
Moliere (rising)
Listen to her, advise her of her interests, marry her to whomever
she likes—if he's an honest man—and don't consult me further, since
that is the whim of her ingratitude. (going into his dressing room)
Madelaine (aside, watching him leave)
My God, how he suffers. (aloud) Look, my dear Armande, I am your
best friend and for years I've acted as your mother. Tell me your
thoughts.
Armande
My good sister, what I have to tell you is going to upset you. For
I am very much to be pitied. I love Moliere, and he doesn't love me. He
will never love me, and anyway, if he did love me, he doesn't want to
marry me. Concern for my honor and my dignity demand that I forget him,
and for that I beg you to help me—to get me out of here—away from
him, and to pretend that I have a plan to marry someone else.
Madelaine (lost)
You love Moliere? You are lying!
Armande (glancing at the dressing room door, which is open,
raising her voice)
I am lying? And who do you expect me to love, if not Moliere? Isn't
he the greatest, the best, the most handsome, the most loveable man
that I know? Name me someone I could begin to place beside him!
(pretending despair) But he detests me. He detests me, and you condemn
me for wanting to hide my feelings from him!
(Moliere, revived, rushes from his dressing room and falls at
Armande's feet.)
Moliere
She loves me! She says so! (to Madelaine) Ah, dear Madelaine, she
loves me! I am choking with joy. It seems to me that I am going to die
of it.
(Armande counterfeits confusion. Madelaine is crushed.)
Madelaine (aside)
So! The hour has come!
(Madelaine raises Moliere and leads him to an armchair where he
collapses, annihilated.)
Madelaine
Well, Moliere, as you've loved her for so long, be happy.
Moliere
I loved her! You knew it? I didn't know it myself.
Armande
My sister is deceiving me. You don't love me.
Moliere (rising, transported, and pulling her into his arms)
Armande! My child! My love! My wife!
Armande
Your wife, Moliere? You said, your wife?
Moliere
Yes, my friend and my companion forever, before God and before men.
Armande (bending her knee before him)
The wife of Moliere! Sister, bless me in my happiness and my glory.
Madeleine (raising her and embracing her)
Be worthy of him, my darling Armande.
Pierrette (running in)
Mr. Moliere! Mr. Moliere. The King—the King is coming.
(The doors at the back open. Louis XIV appears, dressed as an
Egyptian, followed by courtiers who wait at the sill.)
King (mask in hand)
Well, Moliere, here I am, ready. We still have five minutes. Would
you look me over, and see if any adjustments need to be made?
Moliere (attentively)
Nothing, Sire.
King
Let's get going then.
Moliere
Since Your Majesty has five minutes to spare—I ask one for myself.
King (smiling)
I'll give you two. Speak freely.
Moliere
I ask Your Majesty to approve my taking Miss Gresinde—Armande
Bejart, as my wife, who will strive to please by continuing her
employment in the company honored by your royal benefits.
King
This marriage suits me, since it insures that my theatre has
excellent actors. I pay my compliments to you both. (taking a step,
stopping and returning to Armande) Madame Moliere, you have a great
name to uphold! It's not the King of France, but the whole universe,
that today signs your letters of nobility.
(The King leaves, followed by all except Madelaine and Pierrette.)
Pierrette (holding Madelaine in her arms)
Well, Madelaine, are you ill? How pale you are.
Madelaine
It's nothing, it's nothing. Have to go dance. LaForet, Ah, my poor
LaForet!
(Madelaine falls weeping and crying in the arms of Pierrette.)
CURTAIN
At Auteuil. A comfortable but simple workroom, lit by a lamp on a stand. A desk with papers spread over it. A closed window, heavily draped, is to Moliere's left. The desk is situated between the window and the couch. A door to the right of the actors leads to Moliere's bed room.
At rise, Moliere is half asleep on the couch, motionless, eyes
closed. Confused singing can be heard in the rear of the stage. Then
Baron opens the door at the back and comes forward on tip-toe. Through
the door this refrain can be distinctly heard:
“The worst evil is to be born,
The only happiness is to die.”
Moliere (eyes closed, repeats the verse without singing)
“The worst evil is to be born,
The only happiness is to die.” I thought I must be
dreaming—to hear ideas like that expressed in a drinking song. That's
a strange way of entertaining oneself. (seeing Baron) Ah, you are here,
child?
Baron
What? You aren't asleep, my friend? I came to see if you were
sleeping.
Moliere
And, how to sleep with these fools laughing, gamboling and singing?
Even in my retreat at Auteuil—where I, in my room, heard too much. I
came to take refuge here, but I still can hear them.
Baron (after closing the door)
But, you're uncomfortable on this couch! You would be better in
your bed.
Moliere
Beds are made for healthy people. They are trouble for the ill.
Mine is choking me, and I almost cannot sleep any more. But, tell me,
Baron, what burlesque were they singing just now?
Baron
It's an impromptu by Mr. Chapelle. We've inspired him with black
thoughts.
Moliere
Is it the first time?
Baron
This melancholy began with Mr. Boileau, who gave a very eloquent
speech on some ancient enigma to the effect—the best being is not to
be born—the second best, to promptly die. Mr. Nantouillet agreed. Mr.
Chapelle at first argued against it, then came over to their opinion.
He has composed some very lugubrious verse—that Mr. Lully has set to a
very gay tune—and there they are, laughing, singing, and crying,
without knowing why.
Moliere
What is man? A being that tries to forget or whines without ever
finding the calm of judgement or peace at heart! Always miserable in
the midst of gaiety—in despair even while intoxicated. But is La
Fontaine still there?
Baron
He left at midnight, finding he'd had enough of it, but without
suspecting they had made fun of him and mystified him all the time. He
was even more distracted than usual.
Moliere
They always make fun of him, but they are fidgeting uselessly, none
of them will surpass him. Ah, so, what time is it, Baron?
Baron
I don't really know. It's plain day, and your guests are getting
ready to leave. Mr. Boileau has written these verses which he ordered
me to give you as a goodbye and thanks.
Moliere (taking the verses)
Go accompany them, and then go to bed yourself. I don't like these
indulgences and this excess at your age.
Baron
Some one has to do the honors in your place.
Moliere
No doubt. And poor LaForet has been up all night, too?
Baron
And, as usual, without complaining.
Moliere
My poor children. I have very indiscreet friends, who respect
neither your health nor my illness. I'd willingly rent a place for
Chapelle where they could go enjoy his company without staying with me.
Since you stayed up—they didn't lack anything?
Baron
I did my best.
Moliere
And you weren't led to drink, I see.
Baron
Father, I promised you.
Moliere
Good, my child. I thank you for it. And my daughter, their noise
didn't waken her?
Baron
The baby slept very well and is still sleeping.
Moliere
Good, go and accompany them and excuse me again for being unable to
do them justice 'cause I'm on a milk diet.
Baron
Try to sleep now.
Moliere
I will try, my child.
(Baron kisses Moliere's hand and leaves.)
Moliere (alone, reading Boileau's poem)
“Your muse
Tells the truth with style.
All profit in your school,
Everything is handsome,
Everything is good,
And your cleverest epigram
Is often a doctoral sermon.
“Let the envious scold,
It's useless for them to complain
Wherever they go,
That you only charm the vulgar,
That your poetry does not please;
If you were less pleasing,
They couldn't complain so much.” (speaking) Thanks, Boileau!
You think I have to be comforted for the injuries inflicted by bigots;
you think my suffering is caused by their insults and persecutions!
Chapelle believes it, too. My friends, you are all mistaken! If I had
not other ills to combat, my strength would suffice for the rest. Alas,
my most bitter sorrows are not those of poet and actor, but those of a
man, and my heart bleeds from so many wounds that I no longer feel
those to my vanity.
(Pierrette enters with the little Madelaine Moliere, a child of
eight who carries a big bouquet of flowers.)
Little Madelaine It's me, papa. I'm up early 'cause LaForet said today is your birthday, and I have to be present when you wake up, 'cause you like that best.
Moliere (taking her on his knees)
Oh, yes, she's absolutely right, your good Pierrette! She knows
that my little Madelaine is the one I love best in all the world.
(hugging her)
Little Madelaine LaForet said that my relative, Aunt Bejart, will come to see me today, and she will bring me a big doll. And my little mama, when is she coming?
Pierrette
Tomorrow, perhaps.
Little Madelaine You always say “tomorrow” like that. Are you crying, father? Your face is all moist.
Moliere
No, daughter, not at all! (to Pierrette) Take her. Children don't
need to see tears. (to his daughter) Go play in the garden, Miss, and
you will return and have lunch with me.
(Pierrette takes the child to the door and watches her go out.)
Pierrette
How beautiful she is! Right, sir?
Moliere
Beautiful, like her mother!
Pierrette (aside)
Everything makes him ill, even his daughter. (aloud) Come, sir, now
it's time to sleep, since they spent the whole night creating an uproar
for you.
Moliere
Are they gone?
Pierrette
Yes, and you will again have a peaceful afternoon.
Moliere
Sleeping is a fiction for me. Wait, LaForet, I think it's much
better for me to breathe the morning air. Open the windows for me. The
smell of their wine had risen up to here.
Pierrette
It's true. They perfumed the whole house.
Moliere (standing by the window)
A beautiful spring morning. The sun is risen. The birds are
singing. There, LaForet, there—the child is running after a butterfly.
Oh— that grace—that splendor of life! I've seen her mother almost
like that!
Pierrette
Well, well. She's not far off, her mother, and you have only to
write to her; she will return.
Moliere
She's far away, indeed, far from the path of duty.
Pierrette
Eh! No, sir. She is in Paris, in your apartment, Rue de Richelieu.
Moliere
No! I tell you, she isn't there. She's running to the country, the
chateaux, the palaces. She has to live the life of a queen.
Pierrette
Bah! She's a little bored here. She is still young, younger than
you, and still beautiful as an angel. She loves to preen and to be
seen. She'll get over all that, and since she is wise, let her do it.
Think of yourself, write your comedies. Don't trouble yourself about
other things. Enjoy yourself with your friends. You have some good
ones. Mr. Baron, who is like your son, an honest boy, a good actor
already, and one who will do you honor. And here—two more of the list
who are up early to come to wish you happy birthday.
Moliere (still at the window)
Ah, yes, Duparc and Brecourt, my faithful companions. I love them,
even though one always make me well and the other always makes me ill.
Pierrette
Bah! He's got a nasty disposition, Duparc, but at bottom, he loves
you no less.
(Pierrette goes to open the door at the back. Brecourt, Duparc and
Baron enter.)
Brecourt (embracing Moliere)
We are bringing you great good news for your birthday. Du Croisy
and La Thorilliere returned from the King's court last night.
Moliere
Ah! Really? Already?
Brecourt
They knocked at our door, telling us. They were broken with fatigue
and going to bed, but they ordered us to bring to you permission to
play Tartuffe in Paris. And here it is!
Moliere (opening the letter)
Finally! Ah! My friends, what trouble this Tartuffe has been in my
poor life.
Duparc
I warned you that it would turn ill and that you would be abandoned
by the King himself.
Moliere
Who would have believed that a King so powerful, so absolute, would
have less power in his realm than a band of fanatics enraged with
hypocrisy and vengeance? But, we no longer complain, since in the end,
justice is done to us, and here is the permission to play signed by the
hand of the King.
Duparc
It is indeed true. After years of forgetfulness or cowardice, your
great King, Moliere, is a Tartuffe himself.
Brecourt
Keep your hair on! Duparc, the King—
Duparc
Damn it all! Let me speak as I please. If there are spies here, all
the danger is mine.
Baron
Duparc!
Duparc
I tell you that torture won't make me give over! The King is a man
of wit, a gallant man in certain respects. I wish him well, but he has
a vicious side. It's that about which he's a hypocrite. A man of
voluptuous secrets, and public rectitude, he didn't recognize at first
that in Tartuffe, unbeknownst to Moliere, there were certain points of
resemblance. But, his bad conscience told him. So, much later, and even
while swearing to Moliere he saw nothing sacrilegious in the play, he
let its performance be forbidden for a number of years, exposing
Moliere to the insults of his enemies and to the slanders of fanatics.
If now, he gives in, it's that, by my advice, Moliere put energy into
his last petition, not enough for my taste, for if I had been in his
place, I would have written: “Sire, you are a jolly rogue, you who have
three children by La Montespan, and go to your prayers with great
pomp—to teach us not to sin.” Well, does that make you laugh?
Brecourt
That would have done our business admirably!
Moliere
The best thing, really, is to laugh at Duparc's outbursts and the
King himself would laugh if he could hear them.
Duparc
By God, no, Moliere. He wouldn't laugh at that.
Moliere
Listen, my friend. If you respect something in this world, you
ought to respect friendship. Yes, I say, the friendship I have in my
heart for this man they call Louis XIV. Oh, I know, indeed, my
Heraclitius, that you will reproach me for wasting too much of my time,
my talent, and my health on him. But I beg you, consider that, if he
sometimes ordered me to do hurried works, he provided me the means to
develop others that I would never have been able to write, had I
remained poor and obscure. His penetrating wit told him at first sight,
that, in us, he had something more solid and more true than those
brawlers of the Hotel de Bourgogne, who held the scepter of the
theatre. Without the decree of his taste, which he already made law in
France, we would never have succeeded with brilliance the way we did in
true, good comedy, that which reproves the vices of the times and
corrects men in their failings. I have a very profound gratitude for
the man who helped me to say many useful truths, and whose powerful
hand held the whip with which I whipped the shameful actions of the
great of the earth. This man, several times, naively opened his heart
to me. He asked my advice, and followed it—he gave me advice, and it
was good to follow. He avenged me for the impertinence of courtiers by
having me eat with him, head to head, before them all, while they had
to stand in consternation. I wasn't born an ingrate, and cannot tailor
myself to the court life. Well, it is true, I've had subjects to
complain of, and that I've seen spots on the sun, but I have no right
to point them out to others, and my faithful temperament causes me to
pardon wrongs done me, sometimes, by those who oblige me often.
Brecourt
Ah, Moliere, it's of you they can say that the man is yet superior
to the writer.
Baron (pressing Moliere's hand)
Father!
Pierrette (drying her eyes)
All that Moliere said of the King, and of himself, always makes me
cry, for it's just my story with him.
Moliere
Anyway, my friends, that's enough talk. Tomorrow we must play
Tartuffe since we've announced it.
Duparc
The magistrates are going to get a kick in the ass, those who still
hoped to prohibit it.
Baron
Let's leave for Paris now, for we've only just enough time to get
ready.
Moliere
Ah! My young friend, you long to see the footlights again. Come on!
This is going to help me and make me forget my illness. Help me get
everything ready, my friends. You, Pierrette, pack my boxes while I
dress. Baron, arrange my papers, I beg you, and shut up all my drawers.
(They all leave except Baron.)
Baron (alone, arranging papers at the desk)
Yes, this trip will do him good, and ill to me, for we will see
each other again. She'll have to take up her role in Tartuffe, and
whatever Moliere says, he's more ready to pardon her, than to cross
her. Courage! What does it matter if I suffer, so long as he is happy?
My sorrow is a virtuous thing that I offer to heaven for the love of my
benefactor, and my consolation is to feel myself his friend, even when
he cannot know it. (looking at the papers) Ah, the manuscript of Les
Precieuses ridicules—is it in order? Yes. The poem by Boileau. Poems,
more poems—praise—insults—letters. (taking an open letter) Anonymous
letters. And here's one secretly received. “You must know, Elomire —“
Elomoire? Ah yes, it's an anagram of Moliere. “The care that his spicy
better half takes to change poor Sganarelle's suspicions into a
striking, indeed scandalous reality.” Oh, this is horrible. “It's the
Prince de C, the best friend of the ignoble and diabolic author of
Tartuffe, who is now avenging all the deceived husbands whose
misfortunes he so cheerfully mocked.” (tearing the letter with
indignation) And this is what the scoundrels write him every day. Ah!
Moliere, poor, poor heart—how you pay for the honor of speaking the
truth. His wife? No, it's impossible. But, still, ah, that woman is a
demon. (putting his elbows on the table, his head in his hands)
Armande (entering quietly)
Hello, Baron. Where is Moliere?
Baron (leaping from his chair)
Ah, it's you, Madame.
Armande
Well, does that astound you?
Baron
Yes, surely. We didn't think you had received notice of the
presentation of Tartuffe so soon, and we thought to find you still in
Paris.
Armande
Still in Paris? Why not say openly, at Chantilly?
Baron
They said—they wrote Moliere that you were there at Chantilly,
Madame, and he believed it.
Armande
He does well to believe it, since I've come from there.
Baron
What, you confess it?
Armande
I don't confess it, I proclaim it, if you prefer. What can anyone
find fault about it?
Baron
You ask that?
Armande (laughing)
I get it! Ah, what a silly idea you've got there. The Prince Conde!
Let me laugh. I know, indeed, what they told him, but I didn't think it
was taken seriously everywhere, especially here.
Baron
You are gay!
Armande
Yes, truly. I'm in a nice mood.
Baron
She laughs and Moliere denies his tears. She laughs—and here he
can no longer sleep! She laughs, and he is dying of shame for her.
Armande
Go on! I know very well that if he keeps awake here it is at dinner
in the company of bon-vivants who leave the house shaking down the
walls. You want to convince me that my husband is consumed by tears
when he's getting ready to play Tartuffe and be greeted by applause
which will make him quite forget his jealousy.
Baron
You don't believe in pain you do not share. That's the way of cold-hearted ingrates.
Armande (after a pause during which she examines him)
Mr. Baron, you will please tell me where you get the right to
reprove me, or insult me?
Baron (troubled)
In my case—in my attachment for Moliere.
Armande
If you have no better reason to give me for such outrageous
insolence, I warn you, I know how to punish you for it. Find a better
one that will allow me to excuse your ravings.
Baron
What better reason could I give you? Is there a better?
Armande
Baron, there's a worse, but one women are used to hearing without
offense.
Baron
What's that?
Armande
Pretend you don't know! As for me, I'll pretend not to understand
why you show yourself to be more jealous of me than my husband—and I
will take such conduct to be unworthy of an honest man.
Baron
Armande!
Armande
Well, Baron?
Baron
You've a dizzy head, or a completely perverse one.
Armande
Which of the two, in your opinion?
Baron
Both perhaps! What! You want to force me to tell you I love you
when you know it's not so?
Armande
Ah, you have such a short memory, Baron.
Baron
I think you ought to have an even shorter one.
Armande
I don't take special note of declarations I receive, but chance
made me keep and unearth a certain letter you once wrote me at
Versailles.
Baron
You remember, and you won't let me forget. Ah, you believe in
nothing, you don't care about anyone, and you have no respect for
anything!
Armande
Oh, doubtless. I am very sacrilegious to figure out that men only
blame or denounce women they lust for.
Baron
Oh, you have the detestable faculty of besmirching everything your
eye sees, and you will make the most upright consciences suspect
themselves. But, so as not to confirm you in your suspicions, I shall
leave here and never return. Goodbye, Madame.
Armande (dryly)
Pardon me—you will remain, Baron.
Baron
No, certainly not.
Armande (laughing coquettishly)
You will stay, I tell you.
Baron
You think so? You think to keep me here, despite myself, so you can
laugh at me, and give yourself the pleasure of degrading, at your
leisure, an honest heart, by turning it to peeping and treason to its
best friend, and by flattering it with hopes of favors you never intend
to bestow?
Armande
There again, the big, hasty word, Baron! If you had hopes,
apparently you would remain and find more beautiful words to wrong my
virtue, than you have in the service of yours. (Baron, outraged, wants
to leave; she retains him) Look, Baron, we are talking madness. Thank
God our souls are better than our talk, and we are old friends, that
joking ought not to separate. I do justice to your good intentions,
understand mine better. I intend to cure Moliere of his jealousy; I
intend to try to submit to the rigidity of his tastes and habits. I am
renouncing all the world's amusements, however innocent they may have
been for me. I won't take a single step away from my husband, but how
can I succeed in doing that if all those around him push me away or
flee to avoid me? I know quite well that Moliere's friends hate me.
They are jealous of the affection I inspire in him, and their
malevolence has embittered my own feelings. Many battles and shames
await me here, I know it. How will I be able to stand the boredom of
such a shabby retreat if I don't find, at least, the young and laughing
companions of my studies?
Baron
No, no, don't talk to me any more. I prefer your hate to your
perfidious friendship.
Armande (aside)
That we shall see. (aloud) Well, in that case, let's leave. I will
leave in my way, you in yours.
Baron
Do you want to kill Moliere?
Armande
And you don't want him to live, since you challenge me to abandon
him?
Baron (striking the table)
What is this wrongful and abominable fantasy of wanting to keep me
around you?
Armande
And, don't you see your obstinacy in avoiding me is an offense? Why
cannot we live under the same roof without being guilty of something?
—Someone's coming, get control of yourself and think it over. I hear
voices that I know, and which tell me storms are brewing. I will face
them down courageously, or I'll give it up—depending on whether you
support me or abandon me.
Baron
But, I cannot do anything in these domestic storms. I mustn't say
anything—I mustn't even be present.
Armande
Don't leave me, Baron. (with pretended fright) Say nothing, if you
like, but don't leave me alone with them.
(Baron, uncertain and apart, lets himself fall into a chair by the
desk. Armande goes in front of Duparc and Brecourt to her sister and
embraces her.)
Armande
Hello, sis, hello, my good friends. Isn't Moliere with you?
Madelaine
Moliere isn't up yet.
Armande
Is he sick? I am going—
Duparc (roughly)
Don't go, it's no use. He won't receive you.
Armande (haughtily)
Did he tell you to say this to me?
Duparc
I take it upon myself.
Madelaine
Duparc, I beg you, let us speak!
Duparc
No, no, no more fine manners! I will tell him his fate myself.
What! Slut that you are, you have the effrontery to come here in a
carriage from Chantilly, leaving the arms of Conde!
Baron (agitated)
Duparc!
Duparc
I am not speaking to you. I am speaking to Madame Moliere, and I
say to her—
Brecourt
You will say no more, or we will have a little affair. Armande,
hear me. I don't know what this trip to Chantilly signifies, but the
sight of your carriage entering the courtyard caused Moliere to feel
ill to such a degree that we were frightened. He pushed us away in a
rage, and has locked himself in his room without explaining to us his
intentions toward you.
Madelaine
Don't be discouraged, Armande. You know Moliere, after thinking
things over, always quiets down after these outbursts of sorrow. Let
him calm down, and he will listen, I don't doubt, to the good reasons
you have to give him to explain your absence and to refute evil talk.
Armande (looking at Baron, who remains motionless)
I have nothing to say against slanders too base to touch me, and
that Moliere ought, for his honor and mine, long ago, have learned to
scorn. As to the reason for the length of my absence, it seems to me
that you ought to have been able to grasp it before I did, all of you
who are here, and who know what I have had to suffer from the jealousy
of my husband.
Brecourt
My dear, I have the right to speak to you as an old friend who has
loved you since childhood. Don't be so proud, it's not a disgrace to
submit to the hand that loves us. If you are irreproachable, as I'm
sure you are, justify yourself, and you will be heard. If you have
committed some small fault, love, and you will be pardoned.
Armande
Brecourt, you are a man of sense, and that's why I tell you that if
you were in my place, you wouldn't have the patience you advise me to
have. My fate is cruel, and I don't deserve it. Moliere, has the
misfortune of his age.
Duparc
Moliere is not so much older than you that you ought to scorn so
much his decay. You are already at least thirty, my sweet, and it's no
longer the age to play the madcap.
Madelaine (to Armande)
Don't listen to this ruffian, who at bottom you love, and think
only of Moliere. He is very sick, and very unhappy—trust me!
Armande
I am profoundly saddened by it. But, why do you want me to blame
myself? What! Isn't there enough bitterness without adding a shame to
it that I do not deserve?
Madelaine
Eh! Who speaks to you of shame, my darling Armande? I know, myself,
that your conduct was always pure, and that you live in the world
without letting it lead you astray with its seductions. But, it's not
in the world, it's in the breast of your family, it's around your
child, and Moliere, that your virtue ought to find its true lustre. You
are pursuing a life of dissipation, which is not guilty in itself, but
which will become so, because it troubles the peace, the happiness, and
the life of a spouse.
Armande
But, why is he alarmed to such a degree?
Brecourt
Ah, my poor Armande, it's because you don't respond to the passion
he has for you.
Armande
You expect me to be passionate over him, when I have yet to be
passionate over anybody? If that was my disposition, would I have
married Moliere? Cannot he be happy with a peaceful friendship, which
is all I can have for my husband, (looking at Baron and turning away
with scorn) or for any man, whoever he may be?
Madelaine
Oh! My God! You cannot love Moliere! A heart like his has not
warmed yours! You look on him like any husband, a man, like other men!
Unhappy woman! If posterity judges you, it will condemn you; although
loveable and wise, you could be different. It will say that the wife of
Moliere didn't love Moliere—and that will be in its eyes, a crime as
great as if you cheated on him. That's what you have not understood, my
poor sister. You, so avid for glory, you thought his name would suffice
to make you illustrious, but you failed to see it imposed the duty on
you of making him happy.
Armande
Sister, I might accuse you, by saying your assiduous presence and
eager attentions to my husband made mine useless and discouraged my
good intentions.
Madelaine
I don't understand you at all.
Armande
You understand me well enough, for you are blushing! Look in the
depths of your heart, Madelaine Bejart, and you will see if there isn't
more than one way to be guilty. Maybe I am guilty of not loving Moliere
enough, but it may also be that you are guilty of loving him more than
his own wife.
Madelaine
Ah, cruel words! Bitter heart! Poisoned tongue! This is too much.
Armande! Armande! I lack the strength to reply to you. I see you want
to kick me out of here. I will obey, but in the name of reason,
carefully replace the friends you make Moliere lose. Make him happy,
love him. I ask you, on my knees, if you are capable of hearing me?
(Madelaine wants to leave. Duparc holds her in his arms.)
Duparc
This is too much, and I cannot stand it anymore. You must have no
shame to try to impute wrongs to one who is worth a thousand times more
than you. To your sister, who sacrificed herself to you. Oh, we know it
completely, and yet she's never said it, and you, who know it better
than anyone—you reproach her! To Moliere—Moliere whose days have been
ruined by your infernal coquetry, like torches which children and fools
parade and shake to the winds, to all the winds, to delight their
stupid eyes with battles and with their flames! You pretend to be
virtuous, do you? You profane the word which does not describe you at
all. You don't surrender your heart, you don't have a heart, but you
prostitute your cold face to all the impertinent oglings, your banal
ear to all the stupid idle rewards, your idle hours to all the
promenades and parades where the vanity of coquetry delights. Yes, I
say to you, you are a coquette, and the coldest, the most cowardly, and
wickedest in the world.
(Armande takes a step to leave. Baron rises and makes a gesture. He
encounters the triumphant glance of Armande, who remains unmoved by
Duparc's reproaches. Frightened, Baron recoils. Armande loses her color
and lets her rage and sorrow appear.)
Armande
I scorn your insults, but since I am exposed to them, in my very
own house, without Moliere wanting to greet me as his wife and
protecting me as he ought—I cede the place to those who want to have
it. (in an imperative tone, repulsing Brecourt and Madelaine, who want
to restrain her) Stay, stay, you others. For I abandon Moliere to you,
and forever. Ah, I can really say, like one of his characters: “My
house is horrible to me, and I cannot go back to it without finding
despair!”
(Armande goes out, hiding her face in her hands. Madelaine falls,
swooning, into a chair. Baron falls on the table, head between his
hands. Moliere enters slowly from his room, in the midst of a silence
of consternation.)
Moliere
Well, has she gone? (Brecourt nods) Gone, without seeing me,
without giving me time to recover the empire of my reason! My friends,
don't tell me what she said, what she did. Don't say anything!
Madelaine (to Brecourt who is near by)
He will miss her, you see. Oh, we've got to run after her.
(Madelaine rises. Moliere, seeing her, restrains her.)
Moliere (making a great effort to control himself)
Well, my friends, let's have enough philosophy and wisdom not to
bury ourselves in domestic troubles. We don't have the right, because
we don't have the time. We must think of Tartuffe!
(Pierrette enters and leads in his daughter who kisses him.)
CURTAIN
At the Theatre of the Palace-Royale, the actors' room. Pierrette and Madelaine (dressed as Dorine in Tartuffe) enter together. Madelaine is adjusting her bonnet with Pierrette's help.
Pierrette
Well, Miss Madelaine, I hope things are going well with our
Tartuffe?
Madelaine
Yes, child, the public is charmed, and despite the ill-will of
malignant people, Moliere will carry it off, I hope.
Pierrette
Oh, the way you play, you devil—they'd think you were a real
servant, like me, for goodness sake. Only you speak in verse, and you
are more beautiful and more fashionable than me. Do you know you are
still pretty?
Madelaine
Ah, Pierrette, I don't care.
Pierrette
That's wrong of you. I noticed that a woman can appear beautiful
when she wishes, because I see women courted who don't have two cents
worth of looks and—certain others are shunned who are ten times better
looking, but who cannot get any attention. My opinion is that I could
improve that way, if I wanted to. But I don't have time, that's all.
Madelaine
Come, my good LaForet, let's not chatter —the second act is about
to begin.
Pierrette
Oh, wow, let's not let the audience cool off. And Mr. Moliere! I
hope he's getting nice compliments.
Madelaine
Moliere is unhappier than I have ever seen him. He's usually so
courageous and philosophic on opening nights—this time he is uneasy
and deflated.
Pierrette
Poor, dear man! Perhaps, indeed, he's thinking more of his troubles
than his play. And Madame Moliere? She must be delighted to see so much
applause?
Madelaine
She's sad, too.
Pierrette
Ah, how much courage you must have in this world—and how few
things go according to our wishes.
Moliere (entering with Conde)
Come on, sis. The second act is beginning and you enter after the first scene, which is very short.
(Madelaine salutes the Prince and leaves.)
Moliere (low to Pierrette who is bringing an armchair for the
Prince and performing the honors in a cold and preoccupied air)
Where is my wife?
Pierrette
I don't know, sir.
Moliere
Find her, and tell her I am waiting here for her, to go over the
scene in the third act. She has nothing to do in the second act, she's
not in it.
(Pierrette leaves.)
Moliere
Your Highness wishes to speak to me? I am at your disposal.
Conde
Perhaps I'm disturbing you a lot at this time, Moliere, but I will
say it quickly, and it seems to me that after that, you will perform,
and I will applaud, your Tartuffe with a better will. So! Your wife—
Moliere (trembling)
My wife?
Conde (roughly enough)
Your wife, yes, I speak to you of her. Your wife spent a few days
at Chantilly at the invitation of my daughters, who wanted her to
perform with the ladies of their court, a little comic play or
something. I wasn't there. I was at the King's camp. I haven't seen
Madame Moliere at my house, and I don't wish to see her, except in your
presence, That's all I wanted to tell you, and for now, I am your
humble servant.
Moliere
I thank Your Grace for the care he takes to justify my wife. I
don't need it. I know my wife is correct in her morals and I have never
believed that the Great Conde would want to secretly outrage a man he
publicly caresses.
Conde
Moliere, you say that in such a tone! I beg you to be sincere, and
let me know, if in your heart, you believe what your words seem to
deny.
Moliere
Does Your Highness imagine that, if I harbored such suspicions,
fear would prevent me from expressing them? Oh, how you are mistaken!
Just as honor has its rights, passion has its bluntness, and, if I
thought the Prince was playing me such a trick, nothing could stop me
from reproaching him.
Conde
If that's the case, will you explain to me why you refused to
receive your wife on her return from Chantilly because she returned to
you in a carriage bearing my daughter's livery? This wretched jealousy
is so unlike you, that I would never have believed it if Madame Moliere
had not told me of it just now.
Moliere
Ah, my wife takes Princes of the Blood for judges and confidants
over our domestic differences. It's too much honor for her and for me.
Conde
For God's sake, Moliere—don't take on this way—or I'll lose
patience and I have hot blood. I've never lied in my life, and my
pride, as much as my loyalty, will not allow me to suffer slights. How
can you expect me to listen through your play with the idea you have of
me? I am outraged and would willingly burn down your theatre, rather
than stay here. Ask my pardon, by all the devils, ask my pardon,
Moliere, for I am an honest man, and if you take me for a Tartuffe
(smiling in the midst of his rage) I am capable of killing you to prove
I am your friend.
Moliere (smiling with sadness)
If Your Highness will permit me to tell him the first word that
comes to my lips—
Conde
Speak, speak! The first word is always the best.
Moliere
Well, I say you are a fine man.
Conde (extending his hand)
Thanks, Moliere. I am satisfied.
Moliere
Wait, Prince! I am enraged, too, and no less angry than you.
Conde
Ah! Ah!
Moliere
I am wounded by the attention the Prince gives to the words of my
wife, a child whom I cherish, and that injures me. I am not Sganarelle.
I am not Arnolphe. My enemies say so, but my friends ought not to
believe it. If I have a kind of jealousy in the depths of my soul, I
know how to keep it in, and I don't have the kind they think I do. Mine
has nothing uncouth, and does not slander the honor of my wife. All my
suffering, all my rage comes from the attitude these handsome courtiers
take with me, who follow her steps, and who she is wrong enough to wish
to mock, without thinking they intend to mock me. Yes, I hate this
court that my profession forces me to live in, where envy reigns
together with baseness and hypocrisy. I hate all courts, even yours,
Milord. It's a great honor for me to be greeted in your cabinet, but my
wife's place is not in your salons. And there, where your daughters,
the princesses, reign from the respect they inspire, the wife of
Moliere, who would also be respected amongst her equals, is confused
and scorned by the noble libertines who serve you. What is the dignity
and delicacy of Moliere's heart to the likes of theirs? Moliere, a
jester, a comedian—come on—it's too much honor they do him by
noticing he has a pretty wife.
Conde
I understand your trouble, Moliere, but I find you too bitter
against the men of the court, who are not all guilty of their own
vices. Permit me to tell you the abasement which their frivolous
impertinence masks is the work of a policy you've served perhaps too
well. If the nobility has no more respectability, it's the King who has
made it so. And you, yourself, have given it it's death blow. He kills
with cannons, you killed with satire. And now, instead of restless men,
and no doubt dangerous, but manly and strong, you have only
effeminates. Libertinism is the refuge of those who have nothing great
to do. And you complain of their ills—which are your own work.
Moliere
It's because that work is still unfinished that it bears such evil
fruit.
Conde
What more do you want to do? Do you hope to sink the nobility lower
still? That is indeed presumptuous!
Moliere
Prince, do you recall what a libeler of ferocious eloquence wrote
about the French? That man was paid by you to torch the throne to the
benefit of the nobility, and now from its entrails a cry that you've
been unable to contain escapes. “The nobility are great only because we
carry them on our shoulders. We have only to shrug, to hurl them to the
earth.”
Conde
God, sir, you have a fine memory. But whether Dubosq was paid by
me, think that the absolute power of one is not a refuge for the weak.
You are indeed proud, you and others, because you have permitted
everything, admired everything, deified all in a King, who by chance,
happens to be a great man. But let this man perish, or merely change a
little, be it from age or human weakness, and especially from
drunkenness with his power—give him the vices that you blame on us,
and you will see if he won't come take your wife right out of your
arms. And then to whom will you go for justice when you have neither
parliament, nor feudal loyally, nor freedom of any sort—nothing to
balance this authority without law and without curb?
Moliere (pensively)
Balance will come from elsewhere, perhaps.
Conde (enraged)
You mean it would come from the people? I reply by saying, if all
monarchs are not Louis XIV, all plebeians are not Moliere, and we do
not intend for a second time to bear the weight of demagoguery. No, by
God, no. Bordeaux will never again raise the flag of its steeples and
we have forever smashed the seals of rebellion, the amazing effigy of
the Republic! You go too far, Moliere, and I see where our infatuation
with the writers of this century is leading us. We are blind, and the
King more so than we possibly, but the blood of the Fronde is not yet
frozen in our veins, and we will see if we have to, that the order is
not yet quite finished. (leaves)
Moliere (alone, pensive)
Ah, the lion wakes! The King must not have given the declaration he
wanted. As for me, I offer battle with Tartuffe to the courtiers, and
our sorrows are joined. (he remains absorbed)
Armande (dressed as Elmire)
You can say what you like, but my costume is horrifying, and I was
not applauded when I appeared on the stage.
Moliere (jesting and sad, speaking to himself)
The King! The Fronde, the Future!—And my wife's costume. (to
Armande) Very good! You set me on my feet. You are angry with me for
having made you change costumes? You want to play a bourgeoise in the
clothes of a princess, and a convalescent who leaves her bed with
flowers and diamonds like a woman returning from a ball!
Armande
Not realistic, if you like, but the first duty is to please, and no
one applauds something that looks disagreeable.
Moliere
If you are applauded for your jewels, all honor goes to your
jeweler. But, let's stop this childishness. Tell me how this play is
going.
Armande
Eh! Truly, I don't know. I'm not concerned about it. Why don't you
attend yourself? Why call me here?
Moliere
Ah! I—right now I lack the courage for the supreme struggle. This
is the decisive affair of my life, Armande, it's not a question of
vanity, even less of money. It's a question of life and death for the
liberty of my thought and for that of all writers who follow in my
tracks. I am engaged in a terrible battle. Take some interest, if you
want me to see it through.
Armande
Why do you want me to rehearse this scene with you? I know it
completely!
Moliere
We've never rehearsed it together, and you are coming to play it
all of a sudden.
Armande
I went to study it yesterday at Auteuil and I was not admitted.
Moliere
I didn't refuse to see you. I was sick, agitated and depressed. I
only asked for some moments to pull myself together and calm myself. We
were going to return together to Paris. You left by yourself,
exasperated! Instead of going home, you take shelter at your mother's
as if you had a horror of the roof that covers me. Finally, until the
last minute you left me in doubt whether you would play your role in my
drama, knowing it would be ruined without you. You arrive just as the
curtain is about to rise, you don't ask me for any explanation of the
disagreement of the day before, you get me into a very unpleasant and
ill-timed argument with the Prince, and when I beg you to wear a
suitable costume, you treat me with extreme scorn. Armande, my fate is
hard, and I succumb, and in you I find no support, no consolation.
Armande
All right! Let's rehearse it then, this scene from the comedy which
is dearer to your heart than me.
Moliere
Which is dearer to my heart! Don't speak to me of my heart, you
know nothing of what's going on in it.
Armande
Oh, I know that I am black with rumors there.
Moliere
If that were so—if I even suspected you—would I still love you?
Do you judge me so weak, so cowardly, as to adore a woman I do not
respect?
Armande
Then, you still love me, Moliere?
Moliere
Oh! She asks that.
Armande
But, if you love me, why don't you let me know; let others see I am
beautiful and that I have wit? Why do you criticize my dress, my
visits, my conversations?
Moliere
You think I'm an egoist because I wish to keep my treasure to
myself? Ah, if you loved me, you'd be just such an egoist as I.
Armande
If I loved you in your way, I would prevent you from displaying
your genius, from the applause of the crowd?
Moliere
As for me, my only distraction from you are my duties. But try, now
try, to love me as I love you, and you will see if I don't sacrifice to
your sweet intimacy, talent, fortune, fame! Yes, even the love of work,
which is the love of ourselves. I will sacrifice all to you, if you
want me idle at your feet. I will spend my life, happy to turn my
glance from this sad world, and see no one but you in the universe!
Armande
You still love me to such a degree, Moliere, after all the pain
I've caused you? All my wishes, all my fantasies will still be laws for
you?
Moliere
Test me, renounce everything that is not me. Love is a hearth fire
which absorbs all. A word, a smile, a look of one one loves—are not
these the immeasurable wealth that vulgar breath tarnishes and eyes
profane?
Armande
Really, Moliere, I've never seen you so sweet to me, and I'm
touched by it! Wait, I want to please you. Let's rehearse our scene.
Moliere
No, no, no more scenes, no more poetry, no more fiction! Tell me
that you only want to please yourself with me alone.
Duparc (to Moliere, who suppresses a gesture of impatience on
seeing him enter)
God bless! Moliere, we're doing fine. The public is transported.
There are, indeed, some grumblers, and certain hypocrites, who have
taken places in the audience to try to cool us off and discourage us.
They hope that the delayed appearance of Tartuffe in person will spoil
all. But, it's the moment of triumph.
Moliere
Is the second act finished?
Duparc
Not yet. Have you rehearsed the scene with Elmire?
Moliere
No! I no longer have the strength.
Duparc
What the devil! Are you going to lose your head at the worst time?
Armande
Rehearse! Rehearse, Moliere! Success depends on me.
Moliere
What does success matter?
Armande
But, as for me, I want to do it.
Moliere
You want to? All right! Duparc will prompt us.
Baron (entering)
My friend, we need you.
Moliere
Oh, not to have a moment of peace. What is it, Baron?
Baron
Alas, it's Mr. Chapelle, who's drunk as a lord, and who is
expressing such great admiration for you in the wings that the play is
in danger. Only you can make him listen to reason, and get him to sleep
in some corner.
Moliere
Cannot you shut him up in your box?
Baron
He takes me for a court clerk, and is calling me Mr. Bailiff.
Moliere, Oh, friends.
Duparc
I'll go throw him downstairs.
Moliere
No, he's unsupportable, but he is so good, and he loves me so much.
Moliere leaves with Duparc.)
Armande (to Baron, who wishes to leave as well)
You have nothing to say to me, my poor Baron?
Baron
Do you have some order for me, Madame?
Armande
And you, have you no consolation to offer me, after the chagrins of
yesterday?
Baron
I pity you, doubtless, Armande, and with all my soul, for not
wanting to understand other people's feelings, and to seek out bitter
subjects.
Armande
My dear child, I was very tempted to return with Moliere, but you
abandoned me yesterday, without money or courage, to curses and
insults.
Baron
My God, I don't know what support you require. You distrust
everybody.
Armande
I want to trust Moliere, and you, you alone! I am going to return
to my prison in Auteuil and never leave except to play on stage. Will
you be satisfied?
Baron
But, it's Moliere and you who must be satisfied! What do you care
about me?
Armande
Then, you don't want my friendship? You refuse me yours?
Baron
Armande! I am completely devoted to you, you know that quite well,
but—
Armande
But what? Why this but?
Baron
I can no longer go to Auteuil. I must remain in Paris to continue
the studies that Moliere's weak health forced me to interrupt.
Armande
Study of theatre? I'll answer for that. I know as much about it as
Moliere, and if he is a great author, I am a great actress.
Baron
Oh, surely—admirable! But—
Armande (putting her hand over his mouth)
No more buts! You will follow me everywhere. The world wrongs me. I
cannot go without a servant. You are not in love with me, so you have
nothing to reproach yourself for. You are not a Marquis, Moliere will
not get upset. I am not a coquette (Baron smiles), or at least, a
reformed coquette. I will allow you to love whoever you like. Is it a
deal?
Baron (making a great effort)
No, Madame, it is impossible for me to obey you.
Armande (hurt)
Ah, that's different, Baron!
Madelaine (entering with Brecourt, Moliere, Pierrette, and
Duparc)
Well, Armande, the second act has just finished to the roar of
applause, and it's up to you to carry the third.
Brecourt
Yes, it's your turn to plant the flag in the breach.
Pierrette
Oh, Madame has only to show herself for that!
Duparc
Come, Moliere, brighten up.
Moliere (near Armande)
All depends on you, Armande. Restore my faith in myself.
Armande
It's not up to me to influence you.
Moliere (confused)
What a frigid reply.
Duparc
Come, come, now is not the time to argue with your wife. Armande,
bring him back to his business. He is ours, ours, and everyone's, by
God! Are you ready?
Armande
I don't know why Duparc says anything to me.
Duparc
Don't go put on the prude!
Moliere (forcefully)
Silence, Duparc!
Armande
It's a bit late, Moliere, to impose silence on your friend.
Apparently, yesterday, you thought he expressed your feelings
sufficiently by insulting me, in my own house, and by forcing me to
leave.
Madelaine
He was wrong, and he's sorry for it. But now is not the time to
engage in a discussion, Armande.
Armande
You're, indeed, in a hurry to reappear before the audience, sis.
But, as for me, I'm terrified to be seen in the costume I'm wearing,
and not impatient or disposed do expose the marvels of my person to the
shame, the scorn, and the despair I'm in.
Moliere
What shame? What scorn? Because I've made you take off your
diamonds? Put them back on, if you need them, if that's your price, to
finish the play.
Armande
No, that's not what concerns me. Just now, Moliere, you said lovely
things to me, but no one here has apologized to me, and I choke with
shame to find myself in the midst of you all, who more or less hate me.
Moliere (floored_ I hate you!
Madelaine (seizing Armande in her arms)
Armande, sis—what are you saying? What! Don't my tears tell you
that I love you?
Brecourt
And, as for me, do I speak to you harshly, and without affection?
Pierrette
And me, don't I serve you with all my heart and all my courage?
Armande (surrounded by all except Baron and Duparc)
There's still someone here who defies me!
Moliere
Who?
Armande (watching Baron)
Duparc, and I want to have him at my feet.
Moliere (to Duparc)
As for you, if your rebellious humor and bad temper got the better
of you outside my presence, you will apologize.
Duparc
Me—apologize?
Moliere
You will do to my wife, as I've done to you recently for having
blown up at her at the rehearsal?
Duparc
But, God damn—
Moliere
Do you wish to outrage me through my wife? Am I your enemy, the
object of your singular hate against mankind?
Duparc
Why, by God, you are the only man—
Moliere
Look—have done—am I the only man, along with Brecourt that you
esteem a little?
Duparc
I swear that—by God! Moliere, if you were to think—
Moliere
Yes, I will think that you hate me, if you do not do as I demand.
Duparc
Ah, blood of the devil. I will throw myself in the jaws of hell for
you.
Brecourt
Throw yourself at Armande's feet—tell her you are a savage, a
boor.
Duparc
Thirty tumbrels filled with demons! I can really say this is the
first time in my life that I've made an apology to anyone. Have you
heard enough, Armande? How long will you make me appear like a fool?
Madelaine
Eh! My good Armande, be satisfied with the words he forces out of
himself. Remember your childhood, and don't break with scorn the
intimate circle of Moliere's old friends.
Armande (after having coldly contemplated Duparc at her feet,
she raises him, with a certain grace, and addresses Moliere)
Moliere, I yield, and ask you only to solemnly renounce your
jealousy. I am very offended by it, and no one will ever respect me, if
you do not set the example. Confess your wrongs, and I am ready to
recognize mine, and to suffer again, if need be, all your injustices.
Moliere (with dignity)
No, Armande, you will never suffer any more. I swear it to you. I
know there is a fire in my passion, that according to you, is
incompatible with conjugal peace. And, trusting to my principles, I
will no longer bother you with my jealousy. Think, on your side, I
won't say to manage my susceptibility, for I ask no mercy, but to
confine your apparent conduct within the limits of your real duties. I
know that in speaking to you of restraint and simplicity, I am not
putting myself in your good graces. But, before being a lover, I am a
husband and father. I have care of your reputation, which you are not
protecting enough from the evil tongues. I have charge of the education
of my daughter, who needs good examples. I admonish you then, my wife,
not from love, but from conscience, to put up with the boredom of a
more sedentary life. I have the power to constrain you, but I hate
slavery for others as much as for myself, and relinquishing my right, I
speak to you, in the name of our common duties.
Baron (low to Armande)
Death is written on his face! Submit!
Armande
Will you help me?
Baron
Oh, with all my heart.
Armande (going to Moliere, but looking at Baron from time to
time)
That's the way he should have spoken to me from the start. The
voice of reason is all powerful to a calm spirit like mine, and I give
in, in all humility. Moliere, from now on, I consecrate all my cares to
you, and I ask you to pardon me for all the harm I've made you suffer.
(she kneels)
Moliere
Come to my heart! This is not something I claim to satisfy my
selfishness. It's for your daughter and your good name, that I confide
it to you to protect yourself.
Armande (to Madelaine)
Sis, I've been bitter toward you, and I beg you also to forget it.
(Armande bends her knee to Madelaine, who raises her, and weeping,
pulls her into her arms.)
Madelaine (low to Armande)
You are saving Moliere's life. Kill me, if you like. You will do a
thousand times better.
Armande (to Duparc)
Duparc, you offended me, but I pardon you! I remember the time when
you would carry me in your arms for days at a time, saying you couldn't
stand children. Do you want to make peace, my old comrade? (she
presents her cheek)
Duparc (kissing her face)
Ah, I ought to break it, your nasty head!
Pierrette (who had gone out for a moment)
Moliere, they are asking if they must give the three knocks?
(signal for the third act)
Moliere
Oh, of course. And good luck to Tartuffe.
(All leave except Brecourt and Baron.)
Brecourt
She's conquered the world. O, fatal power of cold women—will it
always govern the passion of generous folk? But, she cannot kill
Moliere. They cannot, they must not, disparage him, Baron.
Baron (worried)
What are you trying to say, my friend?
Brecourt
I say, my child, that you, too, you are a man of genius. We know it
here, we who watch you grow in the beneficent shadow of Moliere. A day
will come when all will know, if you wish.
Baron (uneasy)
If I wish—
Brecourt
It's up to you to be everything or nothing. You will be everything,
if you remember, to be great in any art, you must be great in the acts
and emotions of life. You will be nothing, if treason and cowardice
overcome your courage. The death of your virtue will be the death of
your talent.
Baron
My God! Explain yourself, Brecourt.
Brecourt
You are on the point of ruining yourself, Baron! I saw your eyes
and your expression just now. I saw you exchange a word with Armande
which quickly changed her attitude and her intentions. That's fine,
but, let it go no further. You must live in Paris with me, Baron. Work
at a distance for Moliere. See Armande only at the theatre. Hardly
speak to her, and never even think of following her to Auteuil.
Baron (throwing himself in Brecourt's arms)
Yes, protect me. Save me, my friend! Pity me, but kill me, if I do
not obey you.
CURTAIN
The stage of Moliere at the Palace Royale. They have just finished the ceremony of The Imaginary Invalid. A part of the scenery and the props are still on stage. The scene changers are rapidly removing the scenery. The candles spread their light from chandeliers which hang from the roof of the stage. The musicians are packing up their instruments. Some armchairs and chairs at the front of the stage are occupied by spectators, who are leaving or getting ready to leave.
Brecourt is at the back, coming and going, giving orders. Conde is seated in an armchair. His attitude is thoughtful, while the wits parade around him. The gentlemen and ladies are standing, speaking in loud tones.
A Beautiful Lady
It was superb! It was wonderful. The Imaginary Invalid is Moliere's
best comedy.
A Fop (offering her his snuff)
No denying it! It's more comical than The Misanthrope and doesn't
offend religion in any way. (they go out)
Another Lady (pretentiously)
It's horrible sitting on such chairs. Moliere treats very badly
that part of the public which honors him the most by appearing at his
theatre.
A Marquis
It's to annoy us, apparently. They say he protests against this
custom and pretends the gestures of his actors are ruined.
Lady
Then he's ill-bred, this Moliere? (A servant comes to tell her that
her carriage is ready.) Ah, Marquis, my carriage is waiting for me.
Marquis
Ah, Madame, His Majesty wants this to be virile. (they leave)
An Old Lady (making signs to a wit, who approaches her)
Hey! Sir! Sir! If you please.
Wit
What, Madame? Are you satisfied by the performance?
Old Lady
I would be, except they spoke Latin, and I don't speak Latin.
Wit
But the comedy?
Old Lady
Alas, sir, I didn't hear it. I had eyes only for the Prince, to see
if he was giving any heed to my petition. Now, I wouldn't dare to speak
to him, for his face looks very severe. Since, you know him, speak to
him for me.
Wit
Go, go, Madame. I will speak to him about you. I am one of his best
friends.
Old Lady
Shall I wait?
Wit
Not at all, not at all. You'll miss a chair to take you. I will
bring you the reply tomorrow, and dine with you.
Old Lady
You will please me. (making a bow to the Conde who does not see
her) I am your servant. (she goes)
(Wit remains alone with Conde. He approaches Conde, but Conde pays
no attention to him.)
Wit
It appears to me the Prince is unhappy about something?
Conde (brusquely)
Me? Not at all! What do you want from me?
Wit
I thought that your Royal Highness was waiting here for his
attendants. Everyone has gone, and I was going to offer to get Your
Highness' suite and carriage to hasten.
Conde
That's too over-eager.
Wit
If I have displeased your Royal Highness?
Conde
What brings you here? You want something? I don't give audiences
here, but still, who are you, and what do you seek?
Wit
I am a man of letters—poet—musician and painter.
Conde
That's quite a lot. And so? Speak quickly.
Wit
I pride myself particularly on making beautiful poetry and I think
my muse, still restrained in the shackles of obscurity, will find
applause worthy of its ambition if the Prince, the illustrious
protector of letters, would deign—
Conde
Oh, these are verses? Some sonnet?
Wit
It's only a slender sample of my talent, an impromptu on the death
of—
Conde
On whose death?
Wit
On a death, seemingly near enough, for what we saw tonight makes
one think—(Conde gives signs of impatience and the Wit hurries on)—in
a word—It's an Epitaph for Moliere.
Conde (enraged)
Of Moliere! You write the epitaph for a man still alive, who was
there before our eyes just now?
Wit
My epitaph was in praise of Moliere. But since the subject is not
agreeable to Your Royal Highness—
Conde (beside himself)
It's apparent to you, is it? Let's see these verses. I'll wager
they are worse than your appearance.
Wit (frightened)
They are not.
Conde (tearing the verse from him and reading)*
Moliere's in his dark ditch,
They say he's quite dead.
For me, I don't know what to think.
The play's too severe to be by a buffoon— A buffoon! Moliere,
a buffoon! Go, sir. That buffoon will live for eternity, while you and
those like you will be quite dead, as you say. Dull writer of doggerel.
Your verse is the type attached to cadavers to fret them. Moliere is
still standing, and please heaven, he will be in twenty years, to write
your epitaph for me, however unworthy of him the subject may be!
(Conde rolls up the verse and hurls it in the Wit's face. The Wit,
terrified takes to his heels. During the preceding scene, the activity
in the theatre has calmed down, it remains empty of scenery and somber
until the end of the play.)
Pierrette (to workers, without seeing Conde)
Come on, is it done?
A Worker
Yes, yes, little old lady LaForet. He can come whenever he likes.
Pierrette
Hey, don't shake this rug. The dust will make him cough.
Worker
You're right. (to others) What do you think?
Another Worker
Is Moliere really worn out tonight?
Pierrette
Alas, yes.
Another Worker
Isn't he coming to rest, after the performance as he usually does?
Pierrette
Indeed, he's going to come, after he's dressed. I don't want him to
suffer even a breath of air from the outside when he leaves his
dressing room.
First Worker Ah, take good care of him, Miss LaForet.
Conde (who has stood up, to Brecourt)
These men appear to me much attached to Moliere.
A Worker
We are at least, sir!
Pierrette
Oh! It's the Prince de Conde.
Worker (doffing his cap)
We are at least, Milord. If you knew—Wait, Miss LaForet, read this
yourself. (to the other workers) Listen, everybody!
Conde (to Pierrette)
Speak, Miss LaForet.
Pierrette
Ah, that will be soon said and his good heart will not surprise
anyone. He wanted to play tonight, even though he was very sick, and
when we wanted to stop him, he said: “Why do you want me to rest at a
time when fifty poor workers that I employ—honest men—fathers of
families—will lose their wages and miss their bread?”
An Old Worker
My good God. Will you let a man like that die?
Another Worker
Can we stay here until he leaves, to see how he's doing?
Pierrette
Yes, yes. It will please him to see how you love him. But, don't
crowd around him.
Worker
We won't go near him. We'll stay by the stairs, without making any
noise.
(The workers leave.)
Conde (to Pierrette, who is also leaving)
Don't tell Moliere that I, too, am waiting here for him. That would
weigh on him, and would tire him even more. (Pierrette leaves) It's
nine fifteen. I have all the time to wait for him, before going to play
cards with the King. Ah, Mr. Brecourt, I am worried.
Brecourt
Me, too, Milord. Is there another play as biting and as gay as that
tonight?
Conde
Yes, surely. The Imaginary Invalid is still a comic masterpiece in
which the study of man and the criticism of human weakness is pursued
under the facade of a mad gaiety. But, I didn't laugh at it. My heart
was crushed with sadness. Ah, to jest so at his own illness, Mr.
Brecourt. It's the courage of a stoic or a martyr.
Brecourt (sadly)
It's the courage of an actor.
Conde
The scene where Orgon dies is lugubrious.
Brecourt
And where Moliere says, in such a pleasant way, and where the
public laughs so much: “But isn't there danger in thus feigning death?”
Conde
And when this feigned death ends the play, it seemed to me he made
a great effort in reality to return to life.
Brecourt
Madelaine, who plays Toinette, had to help him, and I saw her
blanche, that unfortunate girl, beneath her make-up, and the laugh
which contorted her face.
Conde
Brecourt, I saw something worse. Frightful still—and it was
noticed by people like me, who were seated on the stage. In the buffoon
scene, Moliere seemed to suffer strangely, and when he said “Juro” the
second time, a bloody froth appeared on his lips.
Brecourt
I know it, and his handkerchief was filled with blood, but from
that moment he felt eased, and the things that frightened us seemed a
good symptom to him, because after that his pain seemed to ease a
little.
Conde
I almost got up and spoiled the performance. Moliere restrained me
with a forced laugh and commanding gesture—like that of a brave
soldier that will not be prevented from dying at his post.
Brecourt (going to Duparc)
Well, Duparc, has Moliere changed clothes?
Duparc
I don't know. You see me in a dreadful rage.
Madelaine
And me, in a profound stupefaction.
Conde
What is it? Speak before me, if it is something that concerns
Moliere.
Duparc
Indeed, yes, Prince, I want to tell you about it, because you will
punish such a great infamy. You will speak to the guy and have the son
of a bitch put in the Bastille.
Brecourt
Explain quickly, before Moliere gets here.
Duparc
Here's what it is. The son of the actor Montfleury, a Mr.
Montfleury who calls himself with much emphasis a gentleman—as if he
were the only gentleman actor, and as if you, Brecourt, and almost all
Moliere's troupe, were not as good as he.
Brecourt
Who cares about that? Continue.
Duparc
Well, this Montfleury, urged on, perhaps paid, by the bigots has
just presented a petition to the King in which he accuses Moliere of
marrying his own daughter.
Brecourt
What's that mean? I don't get it.
Madelaine
He pretends to prove that my amity for Moliere has not always been
pure, and that instead of being my sister, Armande is my daughter—and
his.
Brecourt
Now, that's an accusation as ridiculous as it is odious. They
pretend to prove it to whom, I beg you? To us, who know this Herve, the
mother of you both? To us, who know you are no more than ten years
older than Armande? To us, who have no need to know the honesty of your
relations with Moliere. Don't the facts, such as they are, render such
a slander impossible to maintain?
Madelaine
It's not you they are forced to persuade, it's the King.
Conde
The King will simply glance at Moliere's marriage certificate, or
quite simply will believe the word of Conde, who saw the certificate
prepared and signed it as a witness, your mother being both present and
alive. That won't even be necessary. The King won't believe it.
Brecourt
Your Royal Highness will forgive my doubt. The King has not always
been surrounded with irreproachable witnesses and he might—
Conde
You are right, Brecourt. I regret not having seen Moliere. But the
most urgent thing is to run to defend him, and I am going to the
Louvre.
(Conde leaves with Brecourt.)
Madelaine
Oh, no. The King knows Moliere, and he will not believe him capable
of a crime.
Duparc
But, the public will believe it.
Madelaine
It's impossible. It if were only a question of me. They willingly
destroy the weak—but him! Ah, don't let him know about it, Duparc. The
fuss we make will get back to him. Anyway, a scornful silence is the
best reply to rumors that are despicable.
Duparc
As for me, I tell you, we have to create a stir, damn it, and break
the skull of this Mr. Montfleury. It's Moliere's habit to disdain
slander. He isn't revengeful enough. In this way he encourages the
insolence of cowards. If this story isn't loudly denounced, many people
will believe it! Charitable writers, who lie in wait for the death of
Moliere, to avenge themselves for not having dared to attack him during
his life will repeat the story without quite endorsing it. Others, who
pretend to love him, but who are really jealous, will maintain a
prudent silence. Your Mr. Despereaux above all! And, the public, which
is as ungrateful as a cat, will stupidly whisper it without caring
whether it is true or false. That's the way lame, but tenacious,
slander attaches to great men and pursues them still, for centuries
after their death.
Moliere (entering)
What's wrong with you, Duparc—to speak of the dead?
Duparc
Me? I wasn't speaking of that at all.
Madelaine
You feel better, so soon, my friend?
Moliere
Much better, dear sister. Why are you both so sad?
Duparc
We are not.
Moliere (pointing to LaForet)
And her too?
Pierrette
You know quite well, women upset themselves a bit because they know
nothing, and we are imaginary invalids for those we love—right Miss
Bejart? But, when you tell us that you are well, you who know much more
than all the doctors, since you mimic them so well, we are reassured,
and now are as gay as clams, right, Miss Madelaine? (she makes stealthy
signs to her)
Madeleine Certainly, my good LaForet.
Moliere
Armande is morose, too. Here there's an air of bad news on some
aggravating topic. Let's forget all that, my friends. LaForet, Duparc,
go wait for me at home, and prepare everything, so we can dine en
famille together with Brecourt. Where is he? And Baron?
Duparc
Brecourt was here just now.
Pierrette
And Baron left his costume.
Duparc
But, I advise you to go to bed when you go home. That would be
better for you, Moliere.
Moliere
I'll go to bed if I feel the need. But I will take my milk at your
table, and sleep less sadly knowing you are near me. You will chat, you
will laugh, and you won't quarrel over anything. Oh, you only have to
cross the street, do me this pleasure. It will distract my wife, who is
always bored. Must my house be closed at ten in the evening because I
am a bad host?
Duparc
We will do as you like. I'll leave you my chair.
Moliere
Not at all! Not at all! It will be better for me to walk. It's so
close.
Pierrette
Well, sit down, then, and refresh yourself a bit. You never stop—
you're pale as powder.
Madelaine
Armande isn't ready yet, Moliere. Allow me not to leave you alone
here.
Moliere (lowering his voice)
Yes, my sister, I want to speak with you.
(Duparc and Pierrette leave.)
Madelaine
Speak, Moliere? Wouldn't it be better for you to rest at this time?
Moliere
Ah, my dear, there's no time to rest when the hour approaches. When
one must settle one's accounts on this earth—and accounts of the heart
and conscience are the most pressing.
Madelaine
Then you think you—? (she can't finish)
Moliere (taking her hand and smiling)
I don't have any foreboding. Don't trouble yourself. I've seen
myself so often but two steps from death that it no longer frightens
me. I know that facing this comrade boldly sometimes forces him to
recoil or withhold his blow. I hope that once again we shall put it out
of our house, but it won't leave. It is very troublesome, and since it
must eventually present itself—let's be ready to follow it with good
grace when it is God's will.
Madelaine
Have you some instructions to give me?
Moliere
Yes, my friend, but first of all, let me ask you a question. In the
course of our long and peaceful friendship, have I, intentionally, even
caused you any pain?
Madelaine
Why this question? I've never had any cause except to praise your
protection.
Moliere
My protection. That word condemns me. It's respect I owe you,
veneration.
Madelaine
You've treated me as a sister one protects while respecting all the
delicacy of her heart and her spirit. As for me, I've always felt the
deference that I owe you. I don't know if my instinct appreciated your
genius, but it knew the greatness of your soul, and that sufficed for
me to follow you and trust you in everything.
Moliere
Well, yes. Tell me of this devotion so pure, so beautiful. Have I
sometimes abused it?
Madelaine
Never that I know of.
Moliere
What? I never made you suffer? I have always been worthy of your
confidence? When I swore to you that I never loved your sister and that
I would never marry her, didn't I deceive you?
Madelaine
You swore it in good faith.
Moliere
Oh, before God, I swore it. And yet, I broke the word I gave you,
and that I gave myself.
Madelaine
You were absolved the day I saw more clearly into your heart than
you yourself.
Moliere
Yes, saintly and sweet girl, you did. But I, did I consult you? Did
I wait for your permission to tell you “I love your sister and I will
have her”? Haven't I been brutal, egoistic, blind?
Madelaine
Why these fears, Moliere? Have I given you reason to suspect
yourself or me?
Moliere
Ah, no, never. You are such a pure diamond that when one looks into
one sees only one's own faults. Your clarity consumes them. Ah, all the
good you've done me, without growing weary of my suffering, you have
supported me in the distress of my passion. How you cured me of my
vanity when jealousy led me to violence! How you have lifted up my idol
when I was tempted to break it!
Madelaine
Where is my merit in that, I beg you? Isn't she my sister, my
pupil, confided to my care since her infancy. My spoiled child, too.
Moliere
And there are some wretches who have found a way to insinuate an
incest into the purest feelings of our hearts?
Madelaine
What do you mean by that, Moliere?
Moliere
Nothing, nothing! We will speak of that later. For today, I want to
commend my daughter to you, your goddaughter, little Madelaine, the joy
of my life, the worry of my death. Watch over her, my friend. Make her
modest, courageous, and good like you. Don't let her think of pleasing
men, let her think of pleasing only one man. Affection,
happiness—oh—a good woman! And they want something else! Here's
Baron. Be calm, sister, I am resigned to my fate. (to Baron) Come here.
(Moliere takes both their hands) And now, my children, I feel at peace
and submit to everything. I want to bless you, in case some surprise
from my illness should take from me—(seeing Baron shiver)—I didn't
say my life—but my strength for a while. (to Baron) I have to thank
you, you too, for the tender care you surround me with which force you
to forget youth, success, and pleasure! Heaven will reward you, my
child. It will give you real power, that is—talent. And then will come
glory, and then, hopefully not, intoxication. Do as I, seek out the
faults of my works and my acting, while others look at their quality.
Never be satisfied with yourself until you arrive at perfection. The
day you are satisfied with yourself—others won't be, because they are
not looking for it, not working for it. Think of me when I will no
longer be there.
Baron (kissing his hand)
My God, how cold your hands are.
(Baron puts Moliere's gloves on him.)
Moliere
It's nothing, nothing. Let's go. I'll warm up walking. Isn't
Armande ready yet?
Madelaine
I'll run tell her you're waiting for her. (goes out by the side)
Moliere
I am going to give orders for tomorrow's performance. (goes to the
back of the stage)
Baron (alone)
I don't know if I am overly concerned, but it seems to me he's
reached his last hour, and his wife is in no way alarmed about it.
Armande (coming from another wing than that which Madelaine
went out in order to find her)
Well, are we finally going?
Baron
But, Madame, Moliere is waiting for you.
Armande
Couldn't he come to my dressing room?
Baron
Yes, but only to find Mr. de Vise, a man he so justly dislikes?
Armande
He would have found two Marquises and a Parliamentary Councillor.
Baron
He's quite sick tonight, Madame, and perhaps it would be better not
to trouble his ears with the names and titles of your brilliant
friends. You know he doesn't enjoy dining with people of quality that
he didn't invite himself.
Armande
Some men of quality are in no rush to dine with actors. I didn't
invite them, knowing, my dear, that you were to be one of us tonight.
Baron (tranquilly)
Oh, you did the right thing.
Armande
I admire the doctoral tone of Mr. Baron who dines in style with
Marquises—and, they say, even with some duchesses!
Baron
When Moliere is sick, I don't dine. I don't leave him, and don't
bring people to his home to annoy him, preferring his contentment to my
pleasure, and his society to any other.
Armande
Are you determined to keep me off? Will you always play the pedant
with me? Or indeed, is it still jealousy as it was before?
Baron
Before was a long time ago, indeed, and I had so well forgotten it,
that I hoped you yourself had forgotten it. I struggled, and I know I
conquered. My conscience is easy, as is my heart, and I have nothing
more for you than the feeling of profound respect that I owe to the
wife of Moliere.
Armande
You love some one else!
Baron
And why not, Madame?
Armande
Fine, Mr. Baron. I congratulate you. (aside) Ah, I will be avenged!
Moliere (heard at the back of the theatre, speaking to his
workers)
Yes, my friends. Tomorrow, Scaramouche and the Italians. Tomorrow,
our Imaginary Invalid for the fifth time. I ask you, as a favor, that
all be ready so we can start at four o'clock. You know I can no longer
supervise.
A Worker
Oh, don't worry, Mr. Moliere. But don't go by foot tonight. There's
a very cold wind, and it's raining
Baron
It's raining. Ah, I'll run get my chair and bring it here for you.
(he goes out)
Moliere
What's the matter, Armande? Are you crying?
Armande
I suffer, my friend, a frightful migraine, an incredible malaise
and a lot of sadness.
Moliere
What—because of Montfleury's petition? Can't you scorn that
infamy? Your sister and I are unconcerned by it.
Armande
Lucky for my sister to have courage like that. But such slanders
reflect on me and put me in a situation that is odious or ridiculous.
Moliere
And you hold it against me that I have such wretched enemies?
Armande
Not at all, my friend. But still, you ought—
Moliere
I ought not to be sick, almost dying, doubtless. I ought to have
the strength to avenge you. But do you do you think you've given me a
health tonic by telling me so suddenly a base slander that my friends
have so carefully hidden from me?
Armande
First of all, you see the black side of everything, Moliere. I
didn't expect you to avenge me in any way, except by resort to the
King.
Moliere
I will do it. Don't worry.
Armande
As for your illness, you must be distracted not to think, thank
God, that I am more ill than you and will leave first.
Moliere
You ill? Ah yes, that's your latest fantasy. For some time you've
said you were ill and been taking some kind of juleps just like our
Imaginary Invalid we've been performing just now. You're still
beautiful and fresh as you were at twenty. You have the roses of
eternal spring on your cheeks and you complain of vapors and small
discomforts which serve as a pretext to distract you and impose your
will on everybody.
Armande
What, my friend, still reproaches, and when I am so cruelly ill?
Moliere
Reproaches! If you mean complaints of jealousy, you are mistaken,
Armande. Those complaints I have so hidden in my heart that they are
dead. I don't rekindle the ashes of my passion. I've conquered in
myself this legitimate selfishness of love which, putting all its joys,
all its thoughts, all its cares, in the beloved object thinks it has
the right to demand the same in return. You, always cold and proud in
your freedom, have left me pitilessly in my suffering. I've learned to
bear them. Confident of your virtue, I have silenced the weakness of my
unreasonable demon, but don't think because of that I withdraw a
reprimand that, more than ever, I have the duty to make you hear. Our
honor ought to be a concern, and if you have preserved yours, you have
not preserved mine. Your complaints and your intimate confidences to
two or three hundred persons have rendered my jealousy public as well
as your boldness in defying it. Think that the slanders you complain of
today with such bitterness—the monstrous suppositions that they
insinuate to the public—are not a little your own work and that they
would pry with such audacity into my home life without believing it was
stormy and troubled? Armande! Armande! Heaven is my witness now that I
entered into the bonds of matrimony conscious of my duties in a comic
way, but, at bottom was taught a serious lesson when I show on stage
suspicious spouses, insulting, ridiculous, and tricked by their fate. I
have put into the mouths of the wisest men the precept of confidence
one owes to those one loves, and the respect for an honest freedom for
your sex. I wanted to put those laws into practice in my private life.
How, alas, have you rewarded me for it?
Armande
What are you complaining of, since I was never unfaithful to you,
and even you yourself have been obliged to admit it?
Moliere (with greater vivacity)
That's not the question. Isn't there a fidelity of the feelings?
Isn't there a fidelity of the heart that wisest friendship commands.
Were you faithful to me when you ran to parties and meetings with
people who laughed at me?
Armande
I was laughing at them more.
Moliere
Fine. And when these people come to coquette around you, even in my
house; when my house was infected with their odor, when my ears were
deluged by their vapid chatter, when they turned my obliging friends
against me, you silenced my complaints with a charming smile from your
half provoking, half disdainful lips. Terrible puzzle where the word of
my fate is not to be found! When these handsome boys, these beribboned
snobs, honored me with their humiliating protection, when they forced,
despite me, stupid prefaces on my most serious works, crushing me to
the ground to free me from some fly that did not annoy me, and which I
could wave off with a hand more assured than theirs, when they stole my
peace, my serenity, my life. Tell me, Armande, tell me, was your heart
faithful, and can I be proud of you and myself?
Armande
There's a lot to be bitter about, Moliere, and these men of quality
were indeed odious to you! With whom do you want me to live? With your
actors, who, save Brecourt and Duparc, have always surrounded you with
wrangling, stirring up a thousand embarrassments for you, and sometimes
put you in great danger with their cupidity and jealousy?
Moliere
I confess my profession has often crushed me. Art makes me live;
the profession kills me. I love a quiet life and mine is troubled with
a thousand common and wild details. Still, Armande, we are actors, too,
let's not forget it, and let's know how to love our comrades despite
their faults. It's a hard and difficult profession that demands all for
the pleasure of others and they are not given to reserve or sweetness.
At the bottom of their hearts, they are good and great, like all men.
They are a thousand times more agreeable and affable than your friends
at court, and it's very ridiculous, believe me, not to love one's
equals.
Armande (stung)
Very well. So, I ought to love Baron, in your opinion?
Moliere
Baron? What have you got against him?
Armande
Nothing, since you don't want to hear me, and I'm wrong in advance.
I know all your friendship is for him, and thanks to his care, you no
longer love me.
Moliere
I don't love you any more! Armande, Armande, I reprove you, I scold
you, because I love you, always like my daughter!
Armande
Like your daughter!
Moliere (troubled)
My daughter! Ah, the infamous public, they manage to soil the sweet
love I'm accustomed to give you. They want to poison that too! A
feeling so pure, so religious, and which has always been the refuge of
my own heart during the storms which have troubled it.
Armande
Don't think of that any more, Moliere. I still love the name of
daughter that you give me, and that's why I'm jealous to hear Mr. Baron
also call you his father.
Moliere
Jealous? You jealous of my feeling? And since when?
Armande
Since you honor a person unworthy of those feelings?
Moliere
Armande! I beg you, don't trouble my soul for a caprice. You are
suspicious, susceptible! How many times have you unjustly accused those
around me, not excepting poor LaForet, who would give her life for you
and for me! When even Baron would be an ingrate—don't speak to me of
it. I am very ill, my poor child. Let me pass my last days in peace.
Armande
Moliere, you shut my mouth. I shall suffer in silence. Oh! You've
indeed changed towards me, since you are blind to the extent to which
this concerns me.
Moliere (moved)
What paper have you got hold of there? Let's see, speak!
Armande
No, I see too much danger for me. You will throw a scene, for
indeed, you listen to the lies of Mr. Baron.
Moliere
Mr. Baron, still Mr. Baron! Say what you mean to say!
Armande
Moliere, it's a very delicate matter. Baron has been pressing me
with his love since he came of age. I don't care about it, nor does it
upset me, but I find this treason to you revolting and can no longer be
an accomplice through my silence. I beg you, then, to get rid of him,
without telling him the reason. Promise me.
Moliere
All this makes me suspicious. I will not give you such a promise
until you have given me proof of what you allege.
Armande
That is very easy for me! But, is it a deal? My proof for your word
not to breathe anything to Baron?
Moliere
I promise you not to mention your proof to him. It's for me to
judge.
Armande
Moliere has never given his word in vain.
Moliere
You know it.
Armande
Read this.
Moliere (looking at the letter Armande hands him without
opening it)
This letter is rather ragged! Has it been a long time since you
received it?
Armande
I received it last night, and it was with an act of indignation
that I put it in the condition that it is in.
Moliere (reading with a strange tranquility)
“Armande—you don't love, you never loved Moliere, right? He
doesn't love you at all—it's impossible. He's much too serious for
you. You are much too young for him—youth—love—” (reading with his
eyes) Yes, a declaration of common fires. (folding the letter) It's a
love letter like all the others.
Armande
And you are not more offended than that?
Moliere (getting up with affected calm)
I am no longer jealous, Armande. I told you that. But, I'll kick
Baron out. His conduct is disloyal.
Baron (at the back of the stage)
My friend, I've finally found my chair men. I had to find them in a
cabaret. They are here. Are you ready to go?
Moliere
One moment! Let them wait. I have to talk to you, Baron.
Armande (low to Moliere)
What, before me?
Moliere
No. Take his chair and send it back for me soon. Go, wait for me at
home.
Armande
Remember your promise—don't tell him.
Moliere
I promised.
Armande
Give me back the letter.
Moliere (coldly, but firmly)
Go, go.
(Armande leaves.)
Baron
What instructions do you have for me, father?
Moliere
Father! Am I truly a father to you?
Baron
Yes, yes, a tender father, and you will never suspect what I feel
for you. My God, how pale you are! Are you feeling worse?
Moliere
I feel fine.
Baron
But your hands are not very warm.
Moliere
I've got a cold that is killing me. No matter. These hands still
have their strength.
Baron (aside)
Yes, they are bruising mine. Is it a convulsion?
Moliere
Baron, you ought to know that you have no better friend than
Moliere! Oh, don't blush. I don't wish to reproach you with anything.
What I've done for you came before money in the pocket and happiness in
the soul, but also did good for me. But what I am proud of about you,
Baron, is having loved you like a father loves his son. And that, you
see is not paid back in words. Love alone can pay for love, and if you
don't have in your heart true and strong friendship for Moliere—
Moliere is a very unhappy father and Baron has a miserable heart
indeed.
Baron
Why do you say this to me, Moliere, in such an incensed tone? My
God! In what have I displeased you?
Moliere
It's that you're an ingrate, Baron, and I have a horror of
ingrates, Baron, never having been one myself—and not understanding
how it is possible to be one.
Baron
Me—an ingrate? God is my witness, there is no sacrifice I wouldn't
make and no torment I wouldn't gladly endure for love of you.
Moliere
Protests—oaths! Begone! I scorn you.
Baron
Father, is it possible?
Moliere
Begone, I tell you! I am no longer deceived by you!
Baron (aside)
This is fever, this is delirium! (aloud) Moliere, let's go home.
You are sick.
Moliere
I am not sick. I am not distracted. I have all my faculties, all my
strength—and I tell you—you are a traitor.
Baron
Moliere, I must suffer everything for you. But, if it is true I am
guilty—let me know in what way and if it is necessary to atone for my
sin, all my blood—
Moliere
This is a ridiculous trick, Sir, and your audacity astounds me! It
seems to me that at the first word you ought to vanish before my eyes.
Know then, that I have no explanation to give you and I won't accept
any from you. Leave! I spare you the shame of being publicly driven
from my house, but here I am still at home. This theatre is my house,
too, it is my sanctuary, it is my triumphal shield and my bed of
sorrows. It was here I wanted to raise you to my height, through talent
and virtue, so as to leave you, like a legacy, the fruit of so much
work, grief, and efforts. You will return here when I am gone, but
while I am living, you will never do so, for you soil a precinct that I
purified through love of the good and with the language of the truth.
Baron
Moliere, I displease you. Apparently I've offended you, and yet I
can swear by what I most respect in the world, by your illustrious
name, by your glory which is sacred to me, by your goodness which I
adore.
Moliere
Shut your mouth! Can't you spare me the sorrow of hearing such
blasphemies leave your mouth? (seizing him by the shoulders with
convulsive strength and forcing him to bend his knees) So young, with
eyes so clear, with features so pure—to carry such dreadful perversity
in your soul! God! You horrify me and I want to kill you. (Throwing him
rudely to the ground)
Baron
Oh—my God! If you were not my benefactor.
Moliere (speaking to himself, without looking at Baron)
My God! Not to be able to esteem or cherish one I preferred to all
the rest. To have seen the virtue of a king decline—a king I loved
with my guts more than my reason! To have been forced to kill in my
breast the most generous and greatest love that man had ever felt for a
woman. To be reduced to scorn—a man I nourished, raised like my own
son! Ah—today is the day I am old, old, old. I'm centuries old.
Conde (at the rear of the stage with Pierrette,
Madelaine—all except Armande)
He's still here.
Madelaine
Yes, and we're worried not seeing him return. We came to find out
if he's more sick.
Pierrette (coming forward)
Well, Mr. Moliere, aren't you coming to supper?
(Moliere remains absorbed, standing still.)
Brecourt (to Baron)
You are very upset. What's wrong?
A Worker (going to Conde)
Oh—he's not worse sick; we heard him reciting something with Mr.
Baron. His voice has never been so strong.
Conde (aside)
Then he's much better. (aloud) Moliere, I've just come from seeing
the King. The plots of your enemies miscarry before the esteem he bears
you, and for proof, he begs you to come to him to discuss with you the
plan for a celebration he wants to give before going to take command of
his army. Are you in good enough condition to assist at the King's
rising?
Moliere
The King? A celebration? Please, would you tell the King that
Moliere is dying and he no longer has a master here on earth.
Madelaine
Oh heavens! He's really dying.
Pierrette
Help. Oh, my God! Help.
Moliere
No, no doctors! No help other than from your hearts. Rest, silence.
Pray, pray around me. God is here as everywhere, and the bigots cannot
drive him from my soul.
(All, including the stagehands, kneel around him.)
Conde (holding his hand)
He's expiring. But here is a paper in his hand. A last will without
doubt, and we must promise him to observe it while he's still
breathing. Read it, Mr. Baron.
Baron (after recognizing the letter)
Oh! My God! That's what killed him.
Duparc
What is it?
Baron (giving the letter to Brecourt)
A letter, a mad, puerile letter I wrote to his wife, before his
marriage. O Moliere, my benefactor, my father. You can no longer hear
me, and I cannot explain—and, you are going to die cursing me.
Duparc
Baron, are you guilty of is death? Oh, I'll kill you.
Brecourt
No, Baron is not guilty. He loved Armande, but he overcame himself,
and from the day she became Moliere's wife, Baron has been worthy of
Moliere. Dying soul of my friend, great soul of the best of men, if you
can still hear me, may anger and sorrow leave you! Depart in peace for
a better world, and know that around you at this moment there are only
faithful friends.
Duparc
Alas, he cannot hear you.
Moliere (reviving)
Yes, yes, I hear him. Baron, come to my heart. Forgive a dying man.
Ah—she's the one who kills me. I pardon her. Madelaine, my sister, my
friend, brave Conde, my good servant, my workers, worthy men! I am
going. I am leaving you. Don't pity me, I've wanted this moment for a
long time. But, my God! How a man suffers before being able to die!
Brecourt
He's still breathing! Let's take him home.
Moliere (as Duparc lifts him in his arms)
Yes, I want to die at home. I want to bless my daughter.
Duparc (carrying him)
To lose the only soul I have ever loved!
CURTAIN
* Translator's note: The epitaph in the text is literal. A rhyming one follows:
Moliere is in a dark ditch,
They say they covered him with pitch.
I think he must be dead for true,
Else no clown would be covered with rue.