Racine: Phaedra

3i8
MOLIERE
Oronte. Not so, not so ; I fear nothing from a frank avowal
on the contrary, as far as I am concerned, I wish for it.
Alceste. And I demand it. It is an open declaration that I especially
claim. I will not have any half measures. Your
great study is how you can keep friends with everybody.
But let us have no trifling, no more uncertainty ; you must
explain yourself openly, or else I shall take your refusal
itself for a decision. I shall know, for my part, how to in-
terpret your silence, and by it I shall understand the worst.
Oronte. I am obliged to you, sir, for this anger, and I repeat all
that you have said.
CeuImene. How you weary me with this caprice ! Is there any
common justice in what you ask of me? Have I not told
you what motive restrains me . . . ? But Eliante is
coming; she shall judge.
Scene III.
Eliante, Philinte, Celimene, Oronte, Alceste
Celimene. You see me here, cousin, persecuted by people who
seem to have arranged their plans beforehand. Both, with
the same peremptoriness, ask that I should declare the
choice my heart has made ; and that by a decision to be pronounced
before them, I should forbid one of the two to
continue his attentions. Tell me if such things are ever
done?
Eliante. Do not consult me upon such a matter ; you may ad-
dress yourself to the wrong person, and I am decidedly for
those who speak their mind openly.
Oronte. Madam, it is in vain for you to excuse yourself.
Alceste. All your evasions will be but ill seconded here.
Oronte, You must speak and decide.
Alceste. You need only continue to be silent.
Oronte. One word will be sufficient.
Alceste. And I understand you even if you do not speak at all.