Racine: Phaedra

304
MOLIERE
but a short stay in such places. If we do not belong to the
Court, it is true that we lose the position and honorable
titles which in our days it bestows ; but at the same time, as
a compensation for the loss of these advantages, we are not
exposed to the grief of playing the part of silly personages.
We have not to put up with many a cruel rebuff ; to praise
the verses of Mr. So-and-so; to flatter Lady Such-a-one;
nor to bear with the follies of our hare-brained marquises.
ARSiNoit. Let us leave this subject aside, since you will have it
so, but I must say that my heart cannot help pitying you in
your love, and, to tell you the truth, I sincerely wish that
your affections could be better placed. You certainly de-
serve a better fate, for she whom you love is unworthy of
you.
Alceste. But pray, madam, do you remember while you speak,
that this person is your friend ?
Arsinoe. Yes, I do; but my conscience has suffered too long
from the wrong that is done to you. The position you are
in is too painful for me to bear, and I cannot help telling
you that your love is shamefully betrayed.
Alceste. You certainly show a great concern for me, madam,
and such information is very precious to a lover.
Arsinoe, Yes, indeed, although my friend, she is, I grieve to
say, unworthy of the love of a man of honor like you ; for
all the affection she shows is mere deceit.
Alceste. It may be so, madam ; one cannot read people's hearts
but your charity might have dispensed with raising such
suspicions in mine.
Arsinoe. If you do not wish to be undeceived, it is easy enough
to say no more to you.
Alceste. Not so, madam. But on such a subject nothing is
more unbearable than doubt, and I should prefer a plain
statement which could be clearly proved.
Arsinoe. Very well, it is enough, and you shall be fully en-
lightened on the subject. Yes, you shall believe the testimony
of your own eyes only. Pray accompany me to my
house ; there I will give you a palpable proof of the faith-
lessness of her you love ; and if after that you can still think
of another, perhaps we can offer you some consolation.