Racine: Phaedra

a88
MOLIERE
Scene III.
'Alceste, Celimene
Alceste. What! can I never have a moment of private con-
versation with you? Must you always be ready to re-
ceive company, and cannot you for once make up your
mind to refuse your door?
Celimene. Do you wish me to quarrel with him?
Alceste. I cannot approve such affable manners.
Celimene. He is a man never to forgive me, if he knew that
I could feel annoyed at his visits.
Alceste. And what is that to you, that you should incon-
venience yourself in that fashion?
Celimene. Indeed! the good-will of men like him should be
considered, for somehow he is one of those people who
manage to be heard at Court. They mix in all conversa-.
tions, and even if they can do you no good, they can do
you harm. Whatever support one may have elsewhere,
it would never do to make an enemy of such loud talkers.
Alceste. In short, whatever one may say or do, you still find
reasons to bear with everyone; and the wisdom of your
judgment . . .
Scene IV.
Alceste, Celimhie, Basque
Basque. Clitandre is here also, madam.
Alceste. I expected as much, [About to go,
Celimene, Where are you running away to?
Alceste. I am going.
Celimene. Stay here.
Alceste. Why should I stay?
Celimene, Stay.
Alceste. I cannot.
Celimene. I wish it
Alceste, No, no; these conversations only weary me, and
you ask too much when you wish me to bear with them.