Racine: Phaedra

a84
MOLIERE
you not see how much better it is than all that trumpery
which good sense must abhor, and that here simple nature
speaks?
[Repeats verse.
This is what a heart truly in love would say. [To Philinte,
who laughs.] Yes, you may laugh as much as you
please, but whatever you men of wit may say, I prefer
this to the showy glitter of those false trinkets which
everyone admires.
Oronte. And yet I maintain that my verses are good.
Alceste. You have your own reasons for thinking them so;
but you will allow me to be of a different opinion, and my
reasons to be independent of yours.
Oronte. I think it sufficient that others prize them.
Alceste. No doubt they have the gift of dissimulation which
I have not.
Oronte. Do you really think that you have such a large share
of intelligence?
Alceste. If I praised your verses, I should have more.
Oronte. I can easily do without your approbation.
Alceste. You must certainly, if you please, do without it.
Oronte. I should like to see how you would set about composing
some on the same subject.
Alceste. I might have the misfortune of making some as bad
as yours, but I should take great care not to show them
to anyone.
Oronte. You speak to me very haughtily, and this con-
ceit . . .
Alceste. Pray find others to flatter you, and do not ask me
to do so.
Oronte. But, my little sir, lower somewhat your lofty tone,
if you please.
Alceste. I shall certainly, my big sir, do as I choose.
Philinte [stepping betiveen them]. Nay, gentlemen, this is
carrying the matter too far. I beg of you to cease.
Oronte. Ah ! I am wrong, I acknowledge it, and I leave the
field to you. I am, sir, in all sincerity, your humble servant.
Alceste. And I, sir, your most obedient.