Racine: Phaedra

3o6
MOLIERE
position, I cannot understand that he should ever have taken
into his head to love, and still less how your cousin should
be the person of his choice-
Eliante. It shows that it is not always conformity of disposi-
tion which brings people together, and all those stories of
love springing out of sympathy are belied by this example.
Philinte. But do you think, from what we can see, that he is
loved in return here ?
Eliante. This is a question not easily solved. How can one
judge whether she really loves him? She hardly under-
stands her own heart herself. At times she loves without
being aware of it, and at others she believes she loves when
really she feels nothing of the kind.
Philinte. I fear that our friend will meet with more sorrow
and if he were
than he imagines from this cousin of yours ;
of my mind he would place his affection elsewhere, and in
making a better choice, answer to the kind feelings your
heart shows for him.
Eliante. It is true ; I do not try to disguise it, and I think that
in these things we ought to be sincere. I see his love for
another, but I do not try to oppose it ; on the contrary, I feel
a great interest in it for his sake ; and did it depend entirely
on me, I would unite him to the object of his love. But if
something goes wrong, as it well may ; if his love is to be
thwarted by another lover, I can bring myself to accept
Alceste's addresses, and shall feel no repugnance whatever
to them because they have been discarded elsewhere.
Philinte. And I, madam, I also see your kind intentions towards
him without wishing to oppose them ; he could even
tell you, if he wished, what advice I gave him on the subject.
But if by a marriage which would unite them, you
were prevented from receiving his attentions, all mine
would tend to gain the favors you would so kindly bestow
upon him—too, happy if, when your heart has ceased to
think of him, you can transfer your regard to me.
Eliante. You are laughing, Philinte ?
Philinte. No, madam, I speak to you from my inmost heart.
I keep watch for the time when I shall be able to make you
an offer without reserve, and I eagerly look forward to that
moment.