much worse fate.
Orgon [to his son]. Traitor! Do you dare, by your duplicity,
To taint both his virtue and purity?
Damis. What? Can the false meekness of this hypocrite
Cause you to belie . . .
Orgon. Shut up, you misfit.
Tartuffe. Oh, let him go on. You are wrong to scold,
And you'd be wise to believe the story he's told.
In light of his claims, why should you favor me?
What do you know of my culpability?
Why put your faith in my exterior?
Why should you think that I'm superior?
No, no, appearances are fooling you,
I am the kind of man you should eschew.
The whole world thinks that I have earned God's blessing,
But the plain truth is . . . that I'm worth nothing.
[Addressing Damis]
Yes, my dear son, speak. And don't merely chide.
Accuse me of treason, theft, and homicide.
Call me every foul name you can recall.
I deny nothing. I merit it all.
And I beg on my knees to bear this chagrin
As the shameful result of my life of sin.
Orgon [To Tartuffe]. That's too much, brother. [To his son] Why can't you let go,
Scoundrel?
Damis. What! Have his words seduced you so . . .
Orgon Keep quiet, you bum! [To Tartuffe]. Brother, please arise.
[To his son]. Shame!
Damis. He can . . .
Orgon. Silence!
Damis. Damn! Do you surmise . . .
Orgon. If you say one word, I will break your arm.
Tartuffe. In the name of God, brother, do no harm.
I would rather face a ravening beast
Than that your dear son should be harmed in the least.
Orgon [to his son]. Ingrate!
Tartuffe. Leave him in peace. On my two knees
I beg you to give him your grace . . .
Orgon [throwing himself to his knees and embracing Tartuffe]. Don't! Please!
[To his son] Wretch, see his goodness.
Damis. Then . . .
Orgon. Shhh!
Damis. I . . .
Orgon. Cease, I say.
I'm aware of your motive in this foray:
You all hate him, and now I see how my wife,
Children, and maid cons