Racine: Phaedra

,94
MOLIERE
Celimene [to Alceste]. Surely, this is only a joke.
Alceste. Not so. We shall see if it is me you wish to send
away.
Scene VI.
Alceste, Celimene, Eliante, Acaste, Philinte, Clitandre, Basque
Basque [to Alceste]. Sir, there is a man downstairs who
wants to speak to you on business which cannot be put off.
Alceste. Tell him that I have no such urgent business.
Basque. He has a jacket on with large plaited skirts, all em-
broidered with gold.
Celimene [to Alceste]. Go and see who it is, or else make
him come in.
Scene VII.
Alceste, Celimene, Eliante, Acaste, Philinte, Clitandre, a Guard
of the Marechaussee
Alceste [going to meet the Guard]. Well, what is it you want
of me ? Come in, sir.
Guard. I want to speak a word or two privately with you.
Alceste. You can speak out loud, and tell me what it is that
brings you here.
Guard. The Marshals of France, with whose commands I am
charged, hereby summon you to appear immediately be-
fore them, sir.
Alceste. Whom do you say? Me?
Guard. Yourself.
Alceste. And what for?
Philinte [to Alceste]. It is this ridiculous affair of yours
with Oronte.
Celimene [to Philinte]. What is it all about?
Philinte. Oronte and he got angry to-day with one another
about some trifling verses he would not approve of, and
the Marshals no doubt want, to hush up the matter at once.
Alceste. I shall show no servile compliance.
Philinte. However, you must obev the summons ; come, get
ready.