Racine: Phaedra

3oa
MOLIERE
love, and who, nevertheless, retain no lovers about their
persons ; and it can draw its own inference. No ! we do not
make such conquests without great advances ; none are sat-
isfied with the beauty of our looks only, and we must dearly
buy all the attentions paid to us. Do not pride yourself
so much, therefore, upon the shallow advantage of a
miserable victory, and think with less haughtiness of your
own charms, instead of looking down upon others because
of them. If we were envious of the conquests you make, I
think we might do as much, be under no restraint, and show
you easily that we have lovers whenever we wish for them.
Celimene. Have some by all means, madam, and let us see
your success ; endeavor by this excellent expedient to please,
and without . . .
Arsinoe. Let us cease, madam, such a conversation ; it would
lead us too far. I should have left you before now had I
not been forced to wait for my carriage.
Celimene. Pray, wait as long as you please, madam, there is no
need for you to hurry away. But I will relieve you of my
presence and give you more pleasant company. This gentleman,
whom chance sends us so opportunely, will know
better than I, how to entertain you.
Scene VI.
Alceste, Celimene, Arsinoe
Celimene. Alceste, I am obliged to go and write a letter or two
which cannot be put off. Pray stop with this lady ; I feel
sure she will kindly excuse my incivility.
Scene VII.
Alceste, Arsinoe
Arsinoe. You see that according to her wish I am to entertain
you till my carriage comes ; and never could she have
offered to me anything more pleasant than such a conversa-
tion. Yes, indeed, persons eminently endowed with merit
command the love and esteem of everybody ; and no doubt
yours has some secret spell which attracts my heart and