Racine: Phaedra

3i6
MOLIERE
their society? All these human failings give us opportunities
of exercising our philosophy. It is the noblest use we
can make of virtue : and if probity reigned everywhere ; if
all hearts were open, just, and tractable, most of our vir-
tues would be useless to us : for we employ them to bear as
well as we can with the injustice of others in our righteous
cause ; as it is for a true and virtuous heart to . . .
Alceste. I know that you speak wonderfully well, and that you
are never wanting in fine reasoning; but you are wasting
your time and all your noble speeches. Reason tells me
that it is for my own good that I should retire. I have not
power enough over my tongue, I could not answer for what
I might say, and I should bring a thousand troubles upon
my own head. Leave me here without any more words, to
\\ait for Celimene. She will have to consent to the project
which I have determined upon. I must, in short, see
whether or not her heart feels any love for me, and I must
now forever be convinced of it.
Philinte. Let us go up to Eliante and wait for her there.
Alceste. No, my mind is too much agitated ; go and see her
yourself, and leave me, I beg of you, in this dark cornei*
alone with my gloomy sorrow.
Philinte. Strange company to help one to wait. I will ask
Eliante to come down. [Ejvit.
Scene II.
Celimene, Oronte, Alceste
Oronte. Yes, madam, you are to consider whether by ties so
sweet I am to be forever yours. I must have a decided answer
as to your feelings for me. A lover cannot tolerate
any ambiguity on such a point. If my ardent affection has
really touched your heart, you ought not to hesitate to tell
me so ; and after all, the proof I ask from you is only the
wish that Alceste should, henceforth, no more pretend to
your hand, that you should entirely give him up, and, in
short, forbid him your house forever.
Celimene. But what can make you so angry with him? you
whom I have heard speak so highly of him ?