Racine: Phaedra

THE MISANTHROPE 331
Scene V.
Celimene, Eliante, 'Arsinoe, Alceste, Oronte, Philinte
am I to be treated in such a fashion after all
you have written to me ? and does your heart, with all the
semblance of love, promise itself by turns to all mankind ?
Oronte. What !
I have been your dupe too long, and I will be so no longer.
You render me an immense service in making me know you
as you really are. All the affection I had bestowed upon
you, comes back to me, and I find my revenge in knowing
what you lose. [To Alceste.^ Sir, I no longer oppose your
suit, and you are welcome to conclude matters with this
lady.
Scene VI.
Celimene, Eliante, Arsinoe, Alceste, Philinte
Arsinoe [to Celimene]. This is certainly, madam, the basest
action that I have ever heard of ; I can be silent no longer,
so grieved do I feel. Did ever anybody hear of such con-
duct? I do not enter into the feelings of the others, but
that this gentleman [pointing to Alceste], who had staked
his whole happiness upon you—a man of merit and honor,
who worshipped you with idolatry—should be . . .
Alceste. Ah ! madam, leave to me, I pray, the management of
my own business, and do not load yourself with super-
fluous cares. It is in vain that I see you take up my quar-
rel, my heart would not reward you for your disinterested
zeal ; and if I could think of avenging myself by another
choice, you are not the person I should select.
Arsinoe. Do you indeed, sir, fancy that I can have such a
thought, and that I can be so desperately eager to secure
you? That you have entertained such a thought argues, I
fear, that you have no small opinion of yourself. The ref-
use of Celimene is a merchandise I should be wrong to
prize. Pray be undeceived, and do not carry things with so
high a hand. People like me are not for such as you ; you
will do right to sigh for her still, and I long to see so charm-
ing a match concluded. [Exit,