as truly gigantic
In mixing what's holy with what's Satanic.

SCENE III
Elmire, Mariane, Damis, Cleante, Dorine

Elmire [to Cleante]. You should be glad you missed the dreadful chore
Of attending her lecture beside the door--
Here comes my spouse! Since he doesn't see me,
I'm going upstairs to rest quietly.
Cleante. Then I'll remain with no pleasure on my part
To tell him hello and then quickly depart.
Damis. Ask him about the marriage of Mariane.
I think Tartuffe will oppose it if he can,
For he sets up so many prerequisites,
And you know what an interest I take in it.
The heat that inflames my sister and Valere
Has made his sweet sister so very dear
To me that if . . .
Dorine. Shh, he's here.

SCENE IV
Orgon, Cleante, Dorine

Orgon. Hello, brother!
Cleante. I'm glad you've returned before my departure.
The countryside isn't quite blossoming yet.
Orgon. Dorine . . . One second brother, please! Just let
Me set my heart at ease and soothe my fear
Concerning the things that have happened here. [To Dorine.]
For these past two days, how have things gone on?
What has happened? And how is everyone?
Dorine. The first day your wife had a bad fever
And a headache that just wouldn't leave her.
Orgon. And Tartuffe?
Dorine. Tartuffe? He's in splendid shape,
Fat and flabby, with red lips, and a shining face.
Orgon. Poor fellow!
Dorine. That night, your wife felt so sick
And so feverish that she could only pick
At her dinner and scarcely ate a bite.
Orgon. And Tartuffe?
Dorine. He alone ate with all his might,
And devoutly devoured a pair of pheasants
And a leg of lamb in our lady's presence.
Orgon. Poor fellow!
Dorine. The whole night passed before she
Could even close her eyes to fall asleep;
Shivers and chills beset her in bed,
And right up till dawn we watched her with dread.
Orgon. And Tartuffe?
Dorine. Drowsy from all that he'd consumed,
He left the table, went straight to his room,
And fell quickly into his nice, warm sack
Where he slept all night flat on his back.
Orgon. Poor fellow.
Dorine. At last your wife began heeding
Our go