Racine: Phaedra

THE MISANTHROPE 275
shameful display of hollow friendships. I would have
everyone acquit himself like a man ;
under every circum-
stance speak his mind freely, and never allow his real
feelings to disguise themselves under vain compliments.
pHiLiNTE. There are many cases when unreserved frankness
would be both ridiculous and objectionable ; and sometimes—no
offence to your austere honor—it is right to
conceal the thoughts we have. Would it be proper and
befitting to tell a hundred people about us, what we think
of them? And when we have to do with a man we hate,
or who displeases us, ought we to go and tell him the
plain facts of the case ?
Alceste. Yes.
Philinte. What! you would tell that ancient dame, Emilia,
that at her age it is not becoming to set up for a beauty,
and that the paint she lays on, shocks everybody?
Alceste. Certainly.
Philinte. You would tell Dorilas that he is too importunate,
and that everyone at Court is tired of hearing him relate
his own deeds of bravery, and speak of the greatness of
his house?
Alceste. Decidedly.
Philinte. You are joking.
Alceste. I am not ; and on this point I will spare no one.
My eyes are too much offended, and, whether at Court
or in town, I find only objects to provoke my wrath. To
see men behave as they do makes me a prey to melan-
choly and deep grief. I find everywhere nothing but base
flattery, injustice, self-interest, treachery, and deceit. I
can bear it no longer, and my intention is to break with
all mankind.
Philinte. This philosophical moroseness is somewhat too
fierce. Pray excuse me, if I laugh to see you in these
gloomy fits, and I can fancy I see in us two, brought up
under the same care, those brothers which " The School
for Husbands " describes, and of whom . . .
Alceste. Good heavens ! spare me your insipid comparisons.
Philinte. Come, seriously, cease to give way to these vaga-
ries, for all the trouble you may take will not alter the
world. Since plain speaking has such charms for you,