=============== AI-Generated Graded Readers Masaru Uchida, Gifu University Publication webpage: https://www1.gifu-u.ac.jp/~masaru/a1/ai-generated_graded_readers.html Publication date: March 16, 2026 About This Edition This book is a simplified English adaptation created for extensive reading practice. The text was generated using ChatGPT and prepared for intermediate English learners as part of an educational project. Target reading level: CEFR A2-B1 This edition aims to support fluency development through accessible vocabulary, expanded narration, and improved readability while preserving the original story structure. Source Text Original work: Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite Author: Molière English Translation: Curtis Hidden Page Source: Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/ Full text available at: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2027/pg2027.txt Both the original work and its English translation are in the public domain. Copyright and Use This simplified edition is intended for educational and non-commercial use only. The source text is provided by Project Gutenberg under its public domain policy. Users should refer to the Project Gutenberg License for full terms: https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html This adaptation was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and edited for readability and educational purposes. Disclaimer This edition is an educational adaptation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Project Gutenberg. =============== Molière, Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite (Simplified Edition, Adapted and Simplified by ChatGPT) Part 1 Dramatis Personae Madame Pernelle — Orgon’s mother. A severe old woman who believes Tartuffe is a holy man. Orgon — Master of the house. A wealthy man who has become completely devoted to Tartuffe. Elmire — Orgon’s second wife. Calm, intelligent, and observant. Damis — Orgon’s son. Hot-tempered and open in his hatred of Tartuffe. Mariane — Orgon’s daughter. Gentle and obedient. She loves Valere. Cleante — Brother of Elmire. A thoughtful man who speaks with reason and balance. Tartuffe — A man who pretends to be deeply religious. In truth he is a hypocrite. Dorine — Mariane’s maid. Clever, bold, and sharp-tongued. M. Loyal — A bailiff. A Police Officer Flipotte — Servant of Madame Pernelle. The scene is in Orgon’s house in Paris. MADAME PERNELLE Come, Flipotte, come with me. I have stayed here too long already. Let us go at once. ELMIRE Mother, please do not hurry so much. Let me at least walk with you to the door. MADAME PERNELLE No, daughter-in-law. Stay where you are. I do not need your polite attention. ELMIRE But we only wish to show you respect. Why are you leaving in such anger? MADAME PERNELLE Because I cannot bear the way things are done in this house. Nothing here is as it should be. No one listens to me. Everyone talks, everyone argues, and there is noise from morning until night. It is complete disorder. DORINE If I might say— MADAME PERNELLE You might say nothing! You are only a servant girl, yet you chatter more than anyone. You speak as if you were the mistress of the house. DAMIS Grandmother, I only wished— MADAME PERNELLE And you! You foolish boy. I have told your father a hundred times that you will bring him nothing but trouble. MARIANE But grandmother, I think— MADAME PERNELLE Ah yes, my quiet little granddaughter. You look so gentle and silent that one might think butter would not melt in your mouth. But I do not trust that quiet face. The quietest waters are often the deepest. ELMIRE Mother, surely you judge us too harshly. MADAME PERNELLE Your conduct is not what it should be. A mother must set a good example. Your husband’s first wife did much better. You dress too richly and care too much for appearances. A modest woman has no need to shine like a princess. CLEANTE Madam, allow me to say— MADAME PERNELLE Sir, I respect you because you are my daughter-in-law’s brother. But if I were my son, I would beg you not to visit this house. Your ideas about life are not proper for decent people. CLEANTE You speak very frankly. MADAME PERNELLE Yes, that is my way. I never hide my thoughts. DAMIS Your friend Tartuffe is fortunate indeed if he finds such a strong defender. MADAME PERNELLE He deserves it. He is a holy man. You should all listen to him with respect. DAMIS Respect? Must we allow that man to rule this house? Must we ask his permission before we laugh or enjoy ourselves? DORINE If we listen to him, everything we do becomes a crime. He criticizes every action. MADAME PERNELLE And everything he criticizes deserves criticism. He wishes to guide you toward heaven. My son is wise to trust him. DAMIS Nothing will make me tolerate him. I hate the way he behaves. I tell you openly that one day there will be a terrible quarrel between us. DORINE And it is shameful that this stranger now acts like master of the house. When he arrived, he had hardly shoes for his feet. Now he judges everything and commands everyone. MADAME PERNELLE Heaven sent him here to guide you all. DORINE Guide us? In my opinion he is nothing but a hypocrite. MADAME PERNELLE What bold speech from a servant! DORINE I would not trust him for a moment. Nor that servant of his either. MADAME PERNELLE I know nothing about the servant, but I know the master is a saint. If he scolds you, it is because he wishes to save your souls. DORINE Then why does he forbid visitors from coming here? Is heaven offended by a friendly visit? MADAME PERNELLE These visits bring noise and gossip. Carriages at the door, servants in the street—such things create scandal. CLEANTE Madam, people will talk no matter what we do. If we feared every rumor, we would never see our friends again. DORINE Indeed, the people who gossip most are usually those whose own behavior is worst. MADAME PERNELLE Enough of these arguments. I know a very virtuous lady who disapproves of the company you keep. DORINE Yes, she has become very virtuous now that she is old. When she was young and beautiful she behaved quite differently. MADAME PERNELLE There! You see the sort of speech that fills this house every day. No one lets me say a word. She turns toward Elmire. MADAME PERNELLE Listen to me. My son did the wisest thing in his life when he welcomed Tartuffe into this house. Heaven sent him to correct you all. You must obey him if you wish to save your souls. She turns angrily toward the door. MADAME PERNELLE These visits, these parties, these balls—they are inventions of the devil. People gather together only to gossip. It is like the Tower of Babylon, where everyone speaks and no one understands. She sees Cleante smiling slightly. MADAME PERNELLE Ah! The gentlemen laugh, do they? Go and laugh somewhere else with fools like yourselves. She turns again to Elmire. MADAME PERNELLE Daughter, goodbye. I have said enough. I will not soon set foot in this house again. She strikes Flipotte lightly on the arm. MADAME PERNELLE Come along, you lazy girl! Why do you stand staring like that? Move! Madame Pernelle leaves the room with Flipotte. For a moment the others remain silent. Then Dorine lets out a long breath. DORINE Well! That was a storm indeed. CLEANTE I am glad I did not walk downstairs with her. She would surely have found another reason to scold me. DORINE It is a pity she cannot hear how gently you speak of her now. She would say you are too polite—and that she is not old at all. CLEANTE How angry she became with all of us. DORINE And all because of Tartuffe. But she is nothing compared with her son. CLEANTE You mean Orgon? DORINE Yes. Since that man came into the house, our master has changed completely. CLEANTE In what way? DORINE He loves Tartuffe more than his own family. More than his wife, more than his children. He tells him every secret and asks his advice about everything. CLEANTE That is difficult to believe. DORINE At table Tartuffe must sit in the place of honor. Our master watches with joy while he eats enough for six men. If Tartuffe even sneezes, our master cries out, “Heaven bless you!” CLEANTE Extraordinary devotion. DORINE He quotes Tartuffe’s words like sacred law. Every small action becomes a miracle in his eyes. And Tartuffe knows exactly how to take advantage of him. CLEANTE So the man is clever. DORINE Very clever. With his talk of religion he receives money again and again. He even dares to criticize us all. CLEANTE And you must endure it. DORINE Endure it? Even his servant lectures us! He throws away our ribbons and says they are sinful decorations. The other day he tore up a handkerchief he found inside a religious book and called it a terrible crime. CLEANTE Your house has certainly changed since this Tartuffe arrived. DORINE Changed? He rules it. CLEANTE Then I understand the anger of Madame Pernelle. She sees the house through Tartuffe’s eyes. DORINE Exactly. At that moment footsteps are heard outside. DORINE Hush. I think the master has returned. Part 2 ORGON Ah! Brother Cleante, good morning. CLEANTE I was just leaving, but I am glad to greet you. ORGON Wait a moment, please. Before you go, let me ask some questions. I have been away for two days, and I wish to know how everything has gone in my absence. He turns to Dorine. ORGON Dorine, tell me the news of the house. Has everything been well? How is everyone? DORINE Madam Elmire had a fever the day before yesterday. She suffered from a terrible headache all day. ORGON And Tartuffe? DORINE Tartuffe? He is very well. Strong, fat, and rosy. ORGON Poor man! DORINE In the evening Madam Elmire felt so sick she could not eat anything. ORGON And Tartuffe? DORINE He ate very well. Two fine partridges and half a leg of mutton. ORGON Poor man! DORINE All night Madam could not sleep because of the fever. We had to sit beside her until morning. ORGON And Tartuffe? DORINE After supper he went quietly to his room, lay down in a warm bed, and slept peacefully until morning. ORGON Poor man! DORINE At last we persuaded Madam to allow the doctor to bleed her. After that she felt much better. ORGON And Tartuffe? DORINE He recovered his strength bravely and drank four large glasses of wine at breakfast. ORGON Poor man! DORINE Now both of them are well. I will go and tell Madam how happy you are to hear of her recovery. She leaves. CLEANTE watches Orgon for a moment with a thoughtful expression. CLEANTE Brother, she laughs at you openly. ORGON What do you mean? CLEANTE I mean that your devotion to this man astonishes everyone. Has there ever been such blindness? Can a stranger charm you so much that you forget your own family? ORGON Stop there, brother. You do not know the man you speak of. CLEANTE Perhaps not. But I see enough to judge his influence. ORGON Ah! If you knew him as I do, you would admire him deeply. He is a man—how shall I say it?—a man who brings peace to the soul. Whoever follows his guidance finds perfect calm. CLEANTE That is a remarkable claim. ORGON His conversation has changed my whole life. He has taught me to detach my heart from the things of this world. Friends, family, wealth—these mean nothing now beside the will of Heaven. CLEANTE Nothing at all? ORGON Nothing. I could see my brother, my children, my mother, even my wife die—and I would not be troubled. CLEANTE Those are very humane feelings indeed. ORGON Ah, brother! If you had seen him when I first met him, you would understand. CLEANTE Tell me then. ORGON Every day he came to church. He knelt opposite me with such humility that all eyes turned toward him. He sighed deeply, prayed with passion, and kissed the floor again and again. CLEANTE Very impressive. ORGON When the service ended, he hurried to the door before me and offered me holy water. I asked his servant about him and learned that he was very poor. CLEANTE And you helped him. ORGON Yes. I gave him money. But in his modesty he always tried to return part of it. CLEANTE That is convenient modesty. ORGON He would say, “It is too much. I am not worthy of such kindness.” When I refused to take it back, he would give it to the poor before my eyes. CLEANTE A very careful display of charity. ORGON At last Heaven inspired me to bring him into my home. Since that day everything has prospered here. CLEANTE Except the peace of the household. ORGON He watches over everything for my good. He even takes a special interest in my wife. If any man looks at her with admiration, Tartuffe tells me at once. His jealousy for my honor is greater than my own. CLEANTE How touching. ORGON You would not believe the depth of his conscience. The smallest fault troubles him. CLEANTE For example? ORGON The other day he accused himself of sin because, during prayer, he killed a flea in a moment of anger. CLEANTE stares at him. CLEANTE Brother, forgive me, but you must be joking. ORGON Not at all. CLEANTE Then I fear you are the victim of a dangerous illusion. ORGON Your words sound very close to atheism. CLEANTE Not at all. I respect true religion deeply. ORGON You criticize a man who lives in holiness. CLEANTE No. I criticize hypocrisy. ORGON Hypocrisy? CLEANTE Yes. There are false devotees just as there are false heroes. True virtue is quiet. It does not shout about itself. ORGON You speak like a philosopher. CLEANTE No. I speak like a reasonable man. He walks slowly across the room. CLEANTE Look around you. There are men of genuine devotion. They do not boast. They do not judge every action of others. They live modestly and quietly. Their religion is gentle and humane. ORGON And Tartuffe is not such a man? CLEANTE I doubt it very much. ORGON You doubt because you do not know him. CLEANTE Perhaps. But I know the signs of sincerity. The truly devout man does not advertise his holiness. He does not seek influence or power through religion. He does not condemn everyone around him. ORGON You are very certain of your wisdom. CLEANTE Not wisdom—experience. ORGON You believe yourself the only man who understands the truth. CLEANTE Not at all. I only say there is a difference between sincerity and pretence. ORGON folds his arms impatiently. ORGON Have you finished your sermon? CLEANTE Yes. ORGON Good. Then allow me to end the discussion. He turns as if to leave. CLEANTE Wait a moment. There is another matter. ORGON stops. CLEANTE You once promised your daughter Mariane to Valere. ORGON Yes. CLEANTE You even fixed the day for the wedding. ORGON That is true. CLEANTE Then why is the marriage delayed? ORGON I cannot say. CLEANTE Do you have another plan? ORGON Perhaps. CLEANTE You intend to break your promise? ORGON I did not say that. CLEANTE Valere sent me to ask your decision. What answer shall I take him? ORGON shrugs. ORGON Any answer you like. CLEANTE But we must know your intention. ORGON My intention is to do the will of Heaven. CLEANTE Come now. Speak plainly. ORGON Goodbye, brother. He turns and walks away. CLEANTE watches him go. CLEANTE This affair grows dangerous. I must warn Valere at once. Part 3 ORGON Mariane, come here. I wish to speak with you. MARIANE Yes, father. ORGON looks around the room carefully. ORGON Wait a moment. I want to be sure no one is listening. He opens a small closet door and looks inside. ORGON Good. No one is hiding there. He closes the door and turns back to his daughter. ORGON Mariane, you have always been a gentle and obedient daughter. For that reason I have always loved you very dearly. MARIANE I am grateful for your kindness, father. ORGON Good. Now prove that you deserve it. A daughter must obey her father in everything. MARIANE Nothing would make me happier than to do your will. ORGON nods with satisfaction. ORGON Excellent. Now tell me—what do you think of Tartuffe? MARIANE Of Tartuffe? ORGON Yes. Be careful how you answer. MARIANE I will say whatever you wish me to say. ORGON Very good. Then say this: that Tartuffe is a man of great merit, that he has won your heart, and that you would be happy if I chose him as your husband. MARIANE stares at him. MARIANE Father… what did you say? ORGON I said that Tartuffe shall be your husband. MARIANE I beg your pardon, father. Surely I did not hear you correctly. ORGON You heard me perfectly. MARIANE You wish me to marry Tartuffe? ORGON Yes. MARIANE But father, that cannot be true! Why would you ask me to say such a thing? ORGON Because I intend it to be the truth. I have decided that Tartuffe will become a member of our family. MARIANE You mean… you truly wish me to marry him? ORGON Yes. And since it is your duty to obey me— At that moment Dorine quietly enters the room and stands behind Orgon without being noticed. ORGON continues. ORGON —you must accept my choice. MARIANE remains silent in shock. DORINE suddenly speaks. DORINE Sir, I must say that this story sounds very strange. ORGON turns quickly. ORGON What are you doing here, Dorine? DORINE I heard a rumor about this marriage and came to learn whether it was true. I thought it must be nonsense. ORGON Why nonsense? DORINE Because such a plan is impossible. ORGON I assure you it is very possible. DORINE No, sir. You are joking. ORGON I am perfectly serious. DORINE No one will believe it. ORGON I know a way to make people believe. DORINE You are telling us a fairy tale. ORGON I am telling you exactly what will soon happen. DORINE Impossible! ORGON turns to MARIANE. ORGON Daughter, what I say is final. DORINE laughs. DORINE Do not listen to him, Mariane. Your father is only amusing himself. ORGON I tell you— DORINE No, no. No one will believe you. ORGON If you continue speaking like that— DORINE Then we must believe you… and the worse for you it will be. Can a grown man with such a large beard truly be foolish enough to do such a thing? ORGON grows angry. ORGON You are becoming far too familiar in this house. I do not like it. DORINE Please do not be angry, sir. But are you not making a joke of everyone? Your daughter is not meant to marry a religious hypocrite. And besides, what would you gain from such a match? ORGON Silence! DORINE How can a rich man like you choose a poor beggar for his son-in-law? ORGON You know nothing. The less wealth he has, the more honor he deserves. His poverty is noble poverty. He has given up worldly riches for heaven. DORINE So he says. ORGON With my help he may recover his fortune. I have heard that he once possessed a fine estate. DORINE Indeed? He tells that story himself, I suppose. ORGON He is a gentleman. DORINE Then why does he boast about his birth? True piety is humble. ORGON Enough! DORINE Let us leave his family and speak only of the man himself. Can you really give such a husband to your daughter? Think of the scandal! ORGON I do not ask your opinion. DORINE A woman forced into marriage may become desperate. Even a virtuous girl might rebel if she is given to a man she hates. ORGON turns to MARIANE. ORGON You see? I must learn my duty from a servant! DORINE You could do worse than follow my advice. ORGON Daughter, we will waste no more time. I know what is best for you. Yes, I once promised you to Valere. But I have learned things about him. DORINE What things? ORGON They say he likes gambling. DORINE Who says so? ORGON And I fear his faith is weak. DORINE Meaning that he does not go to church exactly when you do? ORGON I did not ask for your comment! DORINE People who go to church only to be seen are not always the most devout. ORGON Enough! Tartuffe, on the other hand, is favored by Heaven. That is wealth beyond all others. DORINE Of course. ORGON With him you will live in perfect peace. DORINE Yes—perfect peace indeed. ORGON You will live like two faithful lovers, like two turtle doves. DORINE Two turtle doves? ORGON You will never quarrel. DORINE Never? ORGON You may do whatever you wish with him. DORINE Oh yes. She will give him horns, no doubt. ORGON Silence! DORINE I tell you plainly—he is made for such a fate. ORGON Stop interrupting! DORINE I only wish to help you. ORGON I do not need your help! DORINE But your honor concerns me. ORGON Be quiet! DORINE It would be a sin to allow this marriage. ORGON Silence, you insolent girl! DORINE What! A holy man like you losing your temper? ORGON Your nonsense drives me mad! I forbid you to speak another word. DORINE crosses her arms. DORINE Very well. I shall remain silent and think instead. ORGON turns again to MARIANE. ORGON Daughter, I have considered everything carefully. Tartuffe may not be handsome, but— DORINE whispers to herself. DORINE What a charming face! ORGON turns sharply. ORGON Did you speak? DORINE No. I was talking to myself. ORGON glares at her. ORGON Very well. Continue talking to yourself—but not to me. He turns back to MARIANE. ORGON You must obey me. I command you to accept Tartuffe as your husband. DORINE suddenly runs toward the door. DORINE You will never make her marry such a creature! ORGON raises his hand as if to strike her, but she escapes. ORGON That insolent girl will drive me to sin! I cannot discuss anything while she is here. He walks toward the door angrily. ORGON My mind is too disturbed. I must go out and calm myself with a walk. He leaves the room. For a moment MARIANE stands motionless. DORINE returns and looks at her in astonishment. DORINE What is the matter with you? Have you lost your tongue? They propose the most absurd marriage in the world, and you say nothing! Part 4 MARIANE What could I say? My father is the master of the house. DORINE And must that stop you from defending yourself? MARIANE But what can I do? DORINE Everything! Tell him plainly that love cannot be ordered like a servant. Tell him you will marry for yourself, not for him. If he admires Tartuffe so much, let him marry him himself. MARIANE Dorine, you speak too boldly. A daughter must respect her father’s authority. I could never oppose him openly. DORINE Respect is one thing. Ruining your life is another. MARIANE lowers her eyes. DORINE Let us speak plainly. Valere has asked for your hand. Do you love him or not? MARIANE Dorine! How can you ask such a question? Have I not told you a hundred times what I feel? DORINE Words are easy. I want to know if your heart truly belongs to him. MARIANE Yes. I love him with all my heart. DORINE And he loves you? MARIANE I believe so. DORINE And both of you wish to marry? MARIANE Of course. DORINE Then what do you intend to do about this other marriage? MARIANE If my father forces it… I shall die. DORINE throws up her hands. DORINE Die! What a brilliant solution! Yes, that will fix everything nicely. Just die and the problem disappears. MARIANE You mock me when I am suffering. DORINE Because you talk nonsense. Instead of fighting, you collapse like a weak soldier at the first blow. MARIANE But what would you have me do? DORINE Show courage! MARIANE My father’s authority is very strong. DORINE And your love is very weak, it seems. MARIANE Do you doubt my love for Valere? DORINE Love without courage is useless. MARIANE Is it not his duty to defend me? Should he not speak to my father? DORINE If your father has lost his senses and worships Tartuffe like a saint, what can your lover do? MARIANE Must I declare openly that I love Valere? Must I throw aside all modesty? DORINE I ask nothing. You may marry Tartuffe if you like. MARIANE looks up in alarm. DORINE continues calmly. DORINE Yes, marry him. It is an excellent match. MARIANE Dorine! DORINE What could be better? Monsieur Tartuffe! A most distinguished husband! MARIANE Please stop. DORINE He is noble—at least in his village. Handsome too. Look at those red ears and that rosy face. MARIANE covers her face. MARIANE You are cruel. DORINE You will be extremely happy, I am sure. MARIANE Dorine, I beg you. Help me find a way to prevent this marriage. I will do anything you say. DORINE pauses. DORINE No. You must obey your father. MARIANE Dorine! DORINE Yes. If he orders you to marry a monkey, you must obey. MARIANE You know I trust you. Do not abandon me now. DORINE pretends to think. DORINE Very well. Since you insist… I suppose I must help you. MARIANE takes her hand eagerly. MARIANE Thank you! DORINE But do not be afraid. We will find a way. MARIANE What shall we do? DORINE First, delay. Delay is the best weapon. If you gain time, many things may happen. MARIANE But how? DORINE You can pretend illness. You can say that bad omens have appeared. Perhaps you dreamed something terrible. Perhaps a mirror broke. There are a hundred excuses. MARIANE Yes… DORINE Besides, no one can marry you without your consent. You must say the word “yes.” MARIANE That is true. DORINE And you must not say it. At that moment a young man enters. DORINE Ah! Here is Valere himself. VALERE approaches with a serious expression. VALERE Madam, I have just heard an interesting piece of news. MARIANE What news? VALERE That you are to marry Tartuffe. MARIANE looks down. MARIANE My father has indeed spoken of such a plan. VALERE Your father said so? MARIANE Yes. He told me only a moment ago. VALERE Seriously? MARIANE Quite seriously. VALERE And what is your decision? MARIANE I do not know. VALERE looks at her in surprise. VALERE You do not know? MARIANE No. VALERE Then allow me to advise you. MARIANE Please do. VALERE Marry him. MARIANE looks at him sharply. MARIANE That is your advice? VALERE Yes. MARIANE You truly mean it? VALERE Of course. It is a splendid match. MARIANE Very well, sir. I shall follow your advice. VALERE You will find it easy to follow. MARIANE As easy as it was for you to give. VALERE I only gave it to please you. MARIANE And I shall follow it to please you. DORINE moves quietly to the back of the room and watches them. DORINE Let us see where this quarrel goes. VALERE So this is your love? MARIANE Please say no more. VALERE You asked my advice, and I gave it. MARIANE Yes, you told me to marry Tartuffe. And I will do exactly that. VALERE Do not hide behind my words. You had already decided to betray me. MARIANE Exactly so. VALERE Then your love was false from the beginning. MARIANE You are free to think so. VALERE My wounded pride will not remain silent. I shall offer my hand elsewhere. MARIANE You will certainly find someone worthy of you. VALERE I know a woman who will gladly accept what you reject. MARIANE Then you will easily forget me. VALERE I shall try. A man must preserve his dignity. MARIANE A noble sentiment indeed. VALERE Would you have me continue loving you while you marry another? MARIANE Certainly not. VALERE Then I shall do exactly as you wish. He turns toward the door. MARIANE Very well. VALERE stops and turns back. VALERE Remember—it was you who forced me to this decision. MARIANE Of course. VALERE I merely follow your example. MARIANE Yes. VALERE moves toward the door again. VALERE Goodbye, madam. MARIANE Goodbye, sir. DORINE rushes forward. DORINE Stop! Have you both lost your senses? She grabs VALERE by the arm. DORINE Where are you going? VALERE Leave me alone. DORINE Not a chance. MARIANE turns away sadly. DORINE runs after her and pulls her back as well. DORINE And where are you going? MARIANE Let me go. DORINE drags both of them to the center of the room. DORINE Now listen to me, both of you. You behave like two children. VALERE Did you not hear what she said? DORINE And did you not hear what you said? She points first to VALERE, then to MARIANE. DORINE She loves no one but you. Then she points to MARIANE. DORINE And he loves no one but you. MARIANE looks at VALERE. MARIANE Then why did you advise me to marry Tartuffe? VALERE Why did you ask my advice? DORINE Enough! Give me your hands. VALERE hesitates. VALERE Why? DORINE Because I say so. He gives her his hand. DORINE Now you. MARIANE slowly gives her hand. DORINE joins their hands together. DORINE There. You love each other more than you admit. For a moment the two lovers stand silently holding hands. VALERE finally looks at MARIANE. VALERE Come now… do not look at me as if you hated me. MARIANE glances at him shyly and smiles slightly. DORINE shakes her head. DORINE Ah, lovers! What foolish creatures they are. Part 5 VALERE But tell me honestly, Mariane. Have I not reason to complain? Was it not cruel of you to say things that wounded me so deeply? MARIANE And you? Were you not ungrateful to speak as if my love meant nothing? DORINE Enough! This is not the moment for lovers’ quarrels. You must think of something far more important. VALERE What do you mean? DORINE The marriage with Tartuffe. MARIANE Yes. We must find a way to stop it. DORINE Exactly. Your father is blinded by madness, and this plan is pure nonsense. She turns to Mariane. DORINE For the moment, you must pretend to obey him. MARIANE Pretend? DORINE Yes. Act as if you agree with his wishes. If you resist too strongly, he will only become more stubborn. VALERE That is true. DORINE If you appear obedient, you can gain time. And time is our greatest ally. MARIANE But how can we delay the wedding? DORINE There are many ways. One day you may claim illness. Another day you may speak of bad dreams or unlucky signs. VALERE Yes… DORINE You might say you met a funeral in the street, or that a mirror broke in your room. People take such things seriously. MARIANE That might work. DORINE Most important of all, no one can marry you without your consent. Remember that. VALERE That is comforting. DORINE While you delay, we shall work behind the scenes. She points to VALERE. DORINE You must speak with your friends. They should remind Orgon of his promise to you. VALERE I will do it immediately. DORINE Good. And we will persuade Cleante to speak again with Orgon. MARIANE My uncle may succeed where others fail. DORINE And Elmire as well. Your stepmother has influence over your father. VALERE Perhaps she can open his eyes. DORINE Exactly. We will surround him with reason until his madness disappears. MARIANE looks at VALERE with renewed hope. MARIANE Then there is still a chance. VALERE Yes. But remember, my greatest hope lies in you. MARIANE Whatever happens, no one but you shall ever be my husband. VALERE takes her hand again. VALERE Your words fill me with joy. DORINE claps her hands sharply. DORINE Enough! Lovers can talk forever. Time is precious. She pushes VALERE toward the door. DORINE Go now. VALERE Just one more word— DORINE No more words! She pushes him again. DORINE Out! Quickly! VALERE finally leaves. DORINE turns to MARIANE and pushes her gently toward the opposite door. DORINE And you, madam, must go this way. MARIANE Very well. She pauses a moment. MARIANE Dorine… thank you. DORINE Go, go. Leave the thinking to me. MARIANE exits. DORINE stands alone for a moment, thinking. DORINE This house is full of trouble. But perhaps we can still save it. She exits. Soon after, Damis enters quickly, his face full of anger. DAMIS If I do not stop this villain immediately, I deserve to be called a coward! DORINE returns and sees him. DORINE What now? Why are you so furious? DAMIS I swear I will expose Tartuffe before everyone! DORINE Calm yourself. DAMIS Calm myself? Never! DORINE Listen to me. Your father has only spoken of this marriage. Nothing is certain yet. DAMIS That is enough for me. I will confront that hypocrite today. DORINE And ruin everything with your temper. DAMIS I cannot remain silent. DORINE You must. Your stepmother has already planned something. DAMIS What plan? DORINE Elmire intends to speak privately with Tartuffe. She wishes to discover his true intentions. DAMIS And you trust that man to reveal them? DORINE I suspect something interesting may happen. DAMIS What do you mean? DORINE I believe Tartuffe has feelings that are not entirely holy. DAMIS What feelings? DORINE lowers her voice. DORINE Feelings for Elmire. DAMIS What! DORINE Yes. If that is true, his hypocrisy will soon be revealed. DAMIS Then I must hear what he says. DORINE No. Leave it to Elmire. DAMIS Impossible. I will hide and listen. DORINE That is a terrible idea. DAMIS I promise to remain silent. DORINE Your temper will betray you. DAMIS No. This time I swear I will control myself. DORINE sighs. DORINE Very well. But if you ruin everything, do not blame me. DAMIS Where shall I hide? DORINE points to a small closet at the back of the room. DORINE There. Behind that door. DAMIS Perfect. He quickly enters the closet and leaves the door slightly open. DORINE stands waiting. DORINE Now we must wait for Tartuffe. After a moment footsteps are heard. DORINE He is coming. TARTUFFE enters the room. He speaks toward the door behind him, addressing his servant. TARTUFFE Laurent, put away my hair shirt and my whip of penance. Pray that Heaven will grant you its grace. He adjusts his clothes with exaggerated humility. TARTUFFE If anyone comes to see me, tell them I have gone to distribute charity among the poor prisoners. DORINE watches him with a smile. DORINE What wonderful piety. TARTUFFE finally notices her. TARTUFFE What do you want? DORINE Madam Elmire wishes to speak with you. TARTUFFE suddenly pulls a handkerchief from his pocket. TARTUFFE Before you say another word, please take this handkerchief. DORINE Why? TARTUFFE Cover that bosom. Such sights disturb the soul and lead the mind toward sinful thoughts. DORINE laughs. DORINE Is temptation so powerful for you? TARTUFFE Modesty, please. DORINE Strange. I am not so easily tempted. I could see you from head to foot and feel nothing at all. TARTUFFE Your speech lacks modesty. DORINE Very well. I will say no more. Madam Elmire will be here in a moment. TARTUFFE immediately changes his tone. TARTUFFE Ah! I shall be delighted to see her. DORINE smiles to herself. DORINE So gentle all at once. ELMIRE enters the room. DORINE quietly exits. Part 6 ELMIRE Heaven grant you good health and peace, Monsieur Tartuffe. TARTUFFE Madam, may Heaven pour its blessings upon you and preserve both your body and your soul. ELMIRE You are very kind. But please, let us sit down and speak comfortably. They sit. TARTUFFE I hope your illness has completely disappeared. ELMIRE Yes, the fever has passed. TARTUFFE My prayers were constantly directed toward your recovery. ELMIRE You care too much for my health. TARTUFFE One cannot care too much for something so precious. I would gladly have sacrificed my own health to restore yours. ELMIRE smiles politely. ELMIRE That is taking charity very far. TARTUFFE You deserve far more than I can offer. ELMIRE pauses for a moment. ELMIRE There is a matter I wished to discuss with you privately. I am glad that no one else is here to listen. Behind the closet door DAMIS slowly opens it a little and listens. TARTUFFE Madam, I am delighted to find myself alone with you. It is an opportunity for which I have long prayed. ELMIRE All I ask is that you speak openly and honestly with me. TARTUFFE That is exactly my wish. ELMIRE People say my husband intends to break his promise and give my daughter Mariane to you in marriage. Is that true? TARTUFFE He has mentioned such an idea. ELMIRE And what do you think of it? TARTUFFE lowers his eyes in a display of humility. TARTUFFE Madam, that is not the happiness for which my heart longs. ELMIRE No? TARTUFFE There are charms elsewhere that attract my heart far more strongly. ELMIRE raises her eyebrows slightly. ELMIRE I believed you had no interest in earthly beauty. TARTUFFE The heart is not made of stone. ELMIRE I thought your love was directed only toward Heaven. TARTUFFE leans slightly closer. TARTUFFE Love for eternal beauty does not destroy our admiration for beauty on earth. ELMIRE Indeed? TARTUFFE Heaven shows its glory through its creations. And in you, madam, Heaven has placed its most perfect work. ELMIRE remains calm. TARTUFFE continues, growing more passionate. TARTUFFE When I first saw you, I trembled. I feared that my feelings were sinful. I tried to avoid you and to drive the thought from my heart. ELMIRE But you did not succeed? TARTUFFE No. At last I understood that such love could be pure and innocent. Heaven itself must have inspired it. ELMIRE That is a convenient explanation. TARTUFFE Madam, it is true. Your beauty has conquered my soul. He gently takes her hand. TARTUFFE You are my hope and my happiness. My peace or my despair depends entirely upon you. ELMIRE pulls her hand away slightly. ELMIRE Your declaration is very gallant. But it surprises me. TARTUFFE Why so? ELMIRE A man known everywhere for his piety should be more careful with his heart. TARTUFFE Madam, I am still a man. And when a man sees such beauty, he cannot remain indifferent. ELMIRE Perhaps not. TARTUFFE If my confession offends you, blame only your own charms. ELMIRE You are very bold. TARTUFFE My love hopes only for your kindness. If you show me mercy, I will devote myself to you completely. ELMIRE watches him closely. TARTUFFE And you need not fear scandal. I am discreet. ELMIRE Are you? TARTUFFE Those fashionable men who boast of their adventures would shout their victories to the whole world. But men like me guard their secrets carefully. ELMIRE How reassuring. TARTUFFE Your honor will be perfectly safe with me. ELMIRE suddenly speaks with a slightly more serious tone. ELMIRE Tell me, Monsieur Tartuffe… do you not fear that I might repeat this conversation to my husband? TARTUFFE smiles calmly. TARTUFFE Madam, you are too generous to betray me. ELMIRE And if I did? TARTUFFE Then I would rely upon your kindness. You would forgive a moment of human weakness. ELMIRE stands and walks slowly across the room. ELMIRE Some women might tell their husbands immediately. TARTUFFE rises as well. TARTUFFE But you are wiser than most women. ELMIRE turns toward him. ELMIRE Perhaps. She pauses thoughtfully. ELMIRE Very well. I will not speak of this conversation. TARTUFFE bows deeply. TARTUFFE Your generosity overwhelms me. ELMIRE But in return I ask something of you. TARTUFFE Anything within my power. ELMIRE You must persuade my husband to allow the marriage of Mariane and Valere. TARTUFFE stiffens slightly. ELMIRE You have great influence over him. If you truly care for my peace of mind, you will help them. TARTUFFE hesitates. TARTUFFE Madam… that matter requires careful thought. ELMIRE There is nothing difficult about it. Simply speak to him honestly. TARTUFFE slowly moves closer again. TARTUFFE Everything depends upon your kindness toward me. ELMIRE What do you mean? TARTUFFE If you favor me… I will gladly serve your wishes. ELMIRE understands his meaning but remains composed. ELMIRE You ask a great deal. TARTUFFE Love demands courage. ELMIRE pretends to consider his words. ELMIRE Very well. But such matters must remain secret. TARTUFFE Completely secret. ELMIRE And my husband must never know. TARTUFFE Never. Behind the closet door DAMIS listens with growing anger. ELMIRE speaks again. ELMIRE Then let us continue this conversation another time. TARTUFFE bows deeply again. TARTUFFE I live only for your happiness. ELMIRE nods politely. TARTUFFE exits. The moment he leaves, DAMIS bursts out of the closet. DAMIS Ah! The villain! Now I have heard everything! Part 7 DAMIS The scoundrel! Now his hypocrisy is exposed. I heard every word he said. ELMIRE What are you doing here? DAMIS I was hiding in the closet. I wanted to hear what he would say to you. ELMIRE That was very unwise. DAMIS Unwise? No! It was necessary. Now we have proof of his wickedness. ELMIRE Be careful. If you accuse him too quickly, your father may not believe you. DAMIS He will believe me this time. I will repeat every word that man spoke. ELMIRE Your father is blinded by admiration for Tartuffe. Anger will only make things worse. DAMIS I cannot remain silent. ELMIRE Listen to me. Leave this matter to me. I will find a better way to reveal the truth. DAMIS No! I will go to my father at once. ELMIRE tries to stop him. ELMIRE DamIS, wait— But he has already rushed toward the door. ELMIRE This will end badly. Moments later ORGON enters the room with TARTUFFE. ORGON Brother Tartuffe, come with me. I wish my son to hear your advice. DAMIS immediately steps forward. DAMIS Father, I have something important to tell you. ORGON What is it? DAMIS points angrily at TARTUFFE. DAMIS That man is a hypocrite! ORGON is shocked. ORGON What did you say? DAMIS He pretends to be holy, but he is a villain. ORGON Take care of your words! DAMIS I heard everything with my own ears. He declared his love to Elmire and tried to persuade her to betray you. ORGON turns toward TARTUFFE. ORGON What is this accusation? TARTUFFE lowers his head humbly. TARTUFFE Alas… Heaven knows how weak the human heart can be. ORGON Explain yourself. TARTUFFE Yes, I am a sinner. I am guilty of many faults. If your son accuses me, I deserve it. DAMIS You see! He admits it! TARTUFFE But I ask only for forgiveness. ORGON suddenly becomes angry. ORGON DAMIS! How dare you insult such a virtuous man! DAMIS What? ORGON You accuse him falsely! DAMIS Father, I heard him confess his love to Elmire! ELMIRE steps forward. ELMIRE My husband— ORGON interrupts her. ORGON Silence! I know the truth already. DAMIS Then you refuse to believe me? ORGON Yes! I know your temper. You hate this man and invent lies against him. DAMIS Lies? ORGON You are jealous of his goodness. DAMIS Father, listen— ORGON Enough! He turns toward TARTUFFE. ORGON My friend, forgive the madness of my son. TARTUFFE sighs deeply. TARTUFFE I ask only to suffer patiently. ORGON Your humility proves your virtue. DAMIS stares in disbelief. DAMIS You defend him? ORGON Yes. And I punish you. DAMIS Punish me? ORGON From this moment you are no longer my son. Leave my house! ELMIRE gasps. ELMIRE ORGON! DAMIS Very well. I will leave. But remember that I spoke the truth. He exits angrily. ORGON turns again to TARTUFFE. ORGON My friend, I beg you to remain in this house. You will guide us all. TARTUFFE bows modestly. TARTUFFE I am unworthy of such kindness. ORGON You are the most honest man I know. He takes TARTUFFE’s hand. ORGON To prove my trust, I will make you master of everything I possess. ELMIRE looks at him in astonishment. ELMIRE What are you saying? ORGON Yes. I will place my entire fortune under his protection. ELMIRE Think carefully before making such a decision. ORGON I have already decided. TARTUFFE pretends to resist. TARTUFFE I cannot accept such generosity. ORGON You must. TARTUFFE I am nothing but a poor sinner. ORGON You are a saint. ELMIRE realizes the danger. ELMIRE My husband, please listen to reason— ORGON No more arguments! My decision is final. ELMIRE watches TARTUFFE quietly. ELMIRE Very well. She pauses. ELMIRE But allow me to speak with you alone later. There are things you should hear with your own ears. ORGON looks puzzled. ORGON What do you mean? ELMIRE Only that truth sometimes appears when we observe carefully. ORGON Very mysterious. ELMIRE Trust me. Soon you will understand everything. ORGON nods slowly. ORGON Very well. We shall speak later. ELMIRE watches TARTUFFE with calm determination. ELMIRE Yes… later. TARTUFFE lowers his eyes, but a faint smile crosses his face. Part 8 ELMIRE remained calm after DAMIS left, but inside her mind she was already forming a plan. ORGON, however, still looked satisfied with himself. ORGON My dear Tartuffe, do not trouble yourself about my son’s behavior. Young people are often foolish. His anger proves nothing. TARTUFFE bowed his head. TARTUFFE I would gladly suffer any insult if it helps the salvation of this household. ORGON Your patience only increases my admiration. ELMIRE watched the two men carefully. ELMIRE My husband, may I speak with you privately later this evening? ORGON Of course. But why not speak now? ELMIRE Because I wish to show you something rather than simply explain it. ORGON looked puzzled. ORGON Show me something? ELMIRE Yes. But for that, you must promise to remain calm and patient. ORGON You speak as if some great secret is about to be revealed. ELMIRE Perhaps it is. ORGON turned toward TARTUFFE. ORGON You see how mysterious she is. TARTUFFE smiled modestly. TARTUFFE Madam Elmire is known for her wisdom. ELMIRE nodded politely. ELMIRE Then we shall settle the matter tonight. She turned toward the door. ELMIRE For now, let us leave it at that. She exited quietly. ORGON remained with TARTUFFE. ORGON My friend, you see how unreasonable my family has become. They all seem determined to misunderstand you. TARTUFFE I bear them no resentment. ORGON Your humility is admirable. TARTUFFE I only wish to serve Heaven. ORGON And you serve it well. TARTUFFE sighed gently. TARTUFFE Still, I fear that my presence here creates conflict. ORGON Never say that! This is your home now. TARTUFFE Your kindness overwhelms me. ORGON placed his hand warmly on TARTUFFE’s shoulder. ORGON From this day forward I trust you more than anyone in this house. TARTUFFE bowed again. TARTUFFE I will prove myself worthy of that trust. ORGON You already have. At that moment DORINE entered the room. DORINE Sir, supper will soon be ready. ORGON Very good. DORINE glanced at TARTUFFE with a faint smile. DORINE Monsieur Tartuffe must be hungry after such a long day of devotion. TARTUFFE One must accept whatever Heaven sends. DORINE Indeed. ORGON did not notice her tone. ORGON Come, my friend. Let us eat. They left together. DORINE remained alone for a moment. DORINE What blindness! That man could steal the house and ORGON would thank him for it. CLEANTE entered quietly. CLEANTE You speak of Tartuffe, I suppose. DORINE Of course. The whole house speaks of nothing else. CLEANTE What has happened since I left? DORINE explained quickly. DORINE DAMIS accused Tartuffe directly. But ORGON defended him and drove his own son out of the house. CLEANTE sighed. CLEANTE That is exactly what I feared. DORINE And worse still—ORGON now plans to give Tartuffe control over his fortune. CLEANTE stopped walking. CLEANTE His fortune? DORINE Yes. Everything. CLEANTE shook his head. CLEANTE Blind devotion is a dangerous thing. DORINE ELMIRE has another plan. CLEANTE What plan? DORINE She intends to let ORGON hear Tartuffe with his own ears. CLEANTE looked interested. CLEANTE That may succeed where reason has failed. DORINE Tonight she will arrange a meeting with Tartuffe again. CLEANTE And ORGON will listen? DORINE Yes. Hidden somewhere in the room. CLEANTE smiled slightly. CLEANTE Then perhaps truth will finally defeat hypocrisy. DORINE Let us hope so. Just then MARIANE entered. MARIANE Dorine, I have been looking everywhere for you. DORINE What is the matter? MARIANE My father still insists that I must marry Tartuffe. CLEANTE approached her kindly. CLEANTE Do not lose hope. Your stepmother has begun to act. MARIANE What do you mean? DORINE Tonight we may learn the truth about Tartuffe. MARIANE looked surprised. MARIANE How? DORINE ELMIRE will speak with him again. CLEANTE And if Tartuffe repeats the same behavior, ORGON himself will hear it. MARIANE’s eyes brightened. MARIANE Then my father will finally understand. DORINE Exactly. CLEANTE But we must be careful. One mistake could ruin everything. DORINE nodded. DORINE Yes. Tonight will decide the fate of this house. MARIANE clasped her hands nervously. MARIANE I pray that truth will prevail. DORINE smiled. DORINE Do not worry too much. Hypocrites often reveal themselves when they believe no one is watching. CLEANTE looked toward the door where ORGON had left earlier. CLEANTE Let us prepare carefully. DORINE Yes. She turned toward MARIANE. DORINE And you must remain patient. MARIANE I will try. DORINE Everything depends on tonight. The three of them slowly left the room, each thinking about what might soon happen. Part 9 Later that evening ELMIRE prepared the room carefully. A small table stood near the center. A few chairs were placed around it. Near the wall stood a large table covered with a cloth. ELMIRE looked around thoughtfully. ELMIRE Yes… this will do. At that moment ORGON entered. ORGON You asked to speak with me. ELMIRE Yes. And I hope you will keep your promise. ORGON Which promise? ELMIRE To remain calm and patient, no matter what happens. ORGON You speak as if something strange will occur. ELMIRE It may seem strange at first. ORGON folded his arms. ORGON Very well. What must I do? ELMIRE pointed toward the large table. ELMIRE Hide under that table. ORGON stared at her. ORGON Under the table? ELMIRE Yes. ORGON Why? ELMIRE Because I want you to hear something without being seen. ORGON hesitated. ORGON You expect me to hide like a spy? ELMIRE If you trust me, you will do it. ORGON looked uncertain, but finally nodded. ORGON Very well. He slowly crawled under the table. ELMIRE bent down slightly. ELMIRE Remember: no matter what you hear, remain silent until I give you a signal. ORGON Very well. ELMIRE stepped back. ELMIRE Now stay perfectly quiet. She went to the door and called. ELMIRE Dorine! DORINE entered. DORINE Yes, madam? ELMIRE Please ask Monsieur Tartuffe to come here. DORINE glanced toward the table, understanding the situation. DORINE Very well. She left. ELMIRE sat calmly in a chair. Moments later TARTUFFE entered. TARTUFFE Madam, you wished to see me? ELMIRE Yes. Please sit down. TARTUFFE sat beside her. TARTUFFE I hope my presence does not disturb you. ELMIRE Not at all. She lowered her voice slightly. ELMIRE In fact, I wished to continue our conversation from earlier today. TARTUFFE leaned closer with interest. TARTUFFE That conversation has not left my thoughts for a moment. ELMIRE Nor mine. Under the table ORGON listened carefully. TARTUFFE Your kindness has filled me with hope. ELMIRE You spoke very boldly this afternoon. TARTUFFE Love makes one bold. ELMIRE But we must be careful. TARTUFFE Of course. ELMIRE If my husband discovered our secret… TARTUFFE smiled confidently. TARTUFFE Your husband trusts me completely. Under the table ORGON shifted slightly. ELMIRE coughed gently to cover the sound. ELMIRE Yes… he trusts you very much. TARTUFFE Perhaps too much. ELMIRE You say that with great confidence. TARTUFFE Because I know how deeply he respects me. ELMIRE leaned closer. ELMIRE Then you are certain he will suspect nothing? TARTUFFE Nothing at all. ELMIRE Even if you were to speak openly of your feelings? TARTUFFE Yes. ELMIRE Then tell me again… what exactly are those feelings? TARTUFFE took her hand eagerly. TARTUFFE Madam, I adore you. Under the table ORGON clenched his fists. ELMIRE continued calmly. ELMIRE Adore me? TARTUFFE Yes. I have struggled against this passion, but it grows stronger every day. ELMIRE And you believe Heaven approves of such feelings? TARTUFFE Heaven understands the weakness of the human heart. ELMIRE How comforting. TARTUFFE moved even closer. TARTUFFE If you would only return my love, my happiness would be complete. ELMIRE You are asking me to betray my husband. TARTUFFE Not betray—only to share a secret happiness. ELMIRE glanced briefly toward the table. ORGON remained silent. ELMIRE And you promise absolute secrecy? TARTUFFE I swear it. ELMIRE No one must ever know. TARTUFFE No one. ELMIRE Not even my husband? TARTUFFE laughed quietly. TARTUFFE Especially not your husband. Under the table ORGON began breathing heavily. ELMIRE quickly spoke again. ELMIRE But if he discovered us? TARTUFFE shrugged calmly. TARTUFFE Then I would deny everything. My reputation would protect me. ELMIRE Your reputation? TARTUFFE Yes. People believe me to be a holy man. ELMIRE And they would not believe a word against you? TARTUFFE Certainly not. ELMIRE slowly withdrew her hand. ELMIRE You are very confident. TARTUFFE Because I know the world. ELMIRE glanced again toward the table. ORGON was now shaking with anger. ELMIRE coughed loudly. ELMIRE Forgive me… I feel a slight cough. TARTUFFE Are you ill again? ELMIRE coughed once more. Under the table ORGON shifted impatiently. ELMIRE whispered urgently toward the table. ELMIRE Please… wait a little longer. But ORGON could no longer remain silent. With a sudden movement he burst out from under the table. ORGON Traitor! TARTUFFE jumped back in shock. TARTUFFE Monsieur! ORGON pointed at him furiously. ORGON So this is your holiness! This is your virtue! Part 10 ORGON Villain! Hypocrite! Now I know you at last! TARTUFFE stepped back, pretending confusion. TARTUFFE Monsieur… what does this mean? ORGON Do not pretend innocence! I heard everything. ELMIRE rose calmly from her chair. ELMIRE I warned you to remain patient. ORGON Patient? I have been patient long enough! He turned toward TARTUFFE. ORGON You dare to betray me in my own house! TARTUFFE lowered his head humbly. TARTUFFE Heaven knows that I am a miserable sinner. ORGON Do not speak to me of Heaven! TARTUFFE If my weakness has offended you, I beg forgiveness. ORGON Forgiveness? ORGON pointed toward the door. ORGON Leave this house at once! TARTUFFE I will obey whatever you command. ORGON Go! TARTUFFE slowly moved toward the door. TARTUFFE I leave with sorrow in my heart. ORGON Enough! Go before I lose control of my anger. TARTUFFE bowed deeply. TARTUFFE May Heaven forgive you for the harsh judgment you make today. He exited calmly. ORGON remained standing in the middle of the room, breathing heavily. ELMIRE approached him gently. ELMIRE Now you see the truth. ORGON covered his face with his hands. ORGON What blindness! What madness! ELMIRE You trusted him too much. ORGON Too much? I trusted him more than my own family! ELMIRE At least now you understand. ORGON looked around the room as if waking from a dream. ORGON Yes… I understand now. He sighed deeply. ORGON I accused my son unjustly. I drove him out of my house. ELMIRE You can still repair that mistake. ORGON And I insulted everyone who tried to warn me. ELMIRE What matters is that the truth has appeared. ORGON nodded slowly. ORGON Yes. And now that hypocrite will never enter this house again. At that moment DORINE rushed into the room. DORINE What happened? I heard shouting. ORGON turned toward her. ORGON Everything has been revealed. Tartuffe is a fraud. DORINE smiled triumphantly. DORINE At last! ELMIRE ORGON heard the entire conversation. DORINE laughed. DORINE So the saint has lost his halo. ORGON shook his head angrily. ORGON I will never forgive myself for being so foolish. DORINE Do not blame yourself too harshly. Hypocrites are clever. ORGON But I was blind. DORINE Many people are blinded by false piety. ORGON suddenly remembered something. ORGON Wait… ELMIRE looked at him. ELMIRE What is it? ORGON There is something far worse than my foolish trust. DORINE What could be worse? ORGON’s face grew pale. ORGON Earlier today… before all this happened… I signed a document. ELMIRE What document? ORGON hesitated. ORGON I transferred my entire fortune to Tartuffe. DORINE stared at him in horror. DORINE Your entire fortune? ORGON Yes. ELMIRE looked shocked. ELMIRE That means everything now belongs to him. ORGON Exactly. DORINE put her hands on her head. DORINE This disaster grows larger every moment. ORGON walked nervously across the room. ORGON But that is not the worst part. ELMIRE There is something worse? ORGON nodded. ORGON Yes. He lowered his voice. ORGON I also entrusted him with an important box. DORINE What box? ORGON A box containing documents. ELMIRE What kind of documents? ORGON hesitated again. ORGON Documents belonging to a friend of mine. DORINE And why are they dangerous? ORGON sighed. ORGON Because if they fall into the wrong hands, they could cause serious trouble with the authorities. ELMIRE looked alarmed. ELMIRE And Tartuffe now possesses them? ORGON Yes. DORINE Then he has power over you! ORGON nodded grimly. ORGON Exactly. ELMIRE walked slowly across the room, thinking carefully. ELMIRE This changes everything. DORINE Yes. That man could destroy the whole family. ORGON clenched his fists. ORGON No! I will not allow it. DORINE But what can you do? ORGON spoke firmly. ORGON First, I must find my son DAMIS and ask his forgiveness. ELMIRE smiled slightly. ELMIRE That would be a good beginning. ORGON nodded. ORGON And then we must recover those papers from Tartuffe. DORINE crossed her arms. DORINE That will not be easy. ORGON looked determined. ORGON Easy or not, it must be done. ELMIRE looked toward the door thoughtfully. ELMIRE I fear Tartuffe will not remain quiet after this. DORINE nodded. DORINE Hypocrites are rarely peaceful when they lose power. ORGON took a deep breath. ORGON Let him try whatever he wishes. Now that I know the truth, I will fight him openly. ELMIRE watched him carefully. ELMIRE I hope it is not already too late. Outside, distant footsteps could be heard approaching the house. Part 11 The footsteps outside grew louder. A moment later the door opened and a man entered. He carried papers and wore the formal clothes of an officer of the law. DORINE looked at him suspiciously. DORINE Who are you, sir? M. LOYAL bowed politely. M. LOYAL My name is Monsieur Loyal. I come here on official business. ORGON stepped forward. ORGON Official business? What business do you have in my house? M. LOYAL I regret that my visit may disturb you. But I am required to inform you of a legal matter. ORGON What matter? M. LOYAL opened his papers. M. LOYAL According to a document properly signed and witnessed earlier today, this house and all property belonging to it now belong to Monsieur Tartuffe. DORINE What! ELMIRE remained silent but pale. ORGON stared at the man. ORGON You must be mistaken. M. LOYAL I assure you that I am not mistaken. ORGON That is impossible! M. LOYAL calmly showed him the document. M. LOYAL Here is the paper, signed by your own hand. ORGON looked at it and groaned. ORGON Yes… it is my signature. DORINE Then that villain has wasted no time. M. LOYAL continued speaking politely. M. LOYAL As the new owner of the house, Monsieur Tartuffe has asked that you and your family leave the property. ORGON Leave? M. LOYAL Yes. I am here to prepare the necessary arrangements. DORINE Prepare them for what? M. LOYAL For your departure tomorrow morning. ORGON was furious. ORGON This is outrageous! M. LOYAL I understand that such news is unpleasant. ORGON Unpleasant? It is robbery! M. LOYAL I only follow the law. ELMIRE stepped forward calmly. ELMIRE Sir, surely some time can be allowed for us to prepare. M. LOYAL Naturally. The law is not without kindness. DORINE muttered quietly. DORINE Kindness! What a word. M. LOYAL continued. M. LOYAL You may remain here tonight. Tomorrow the house must be delivered to its new owner. ORGON paced across the room in anger. ORGON That traitor! That thief! M. LOYAL spoke gently. M. LOYAL I advise you, sir, to accept the situation peacefully. DORINE whispered to ELMIRE. DORINE Listen to how politely he steals the house. ELMIRE spoke again. ELMIRE Very well. We will obey the law. M. LOYAL bowed. M. LOYAL Your cooperation will make this process easier for everyone. ORGON suddenly stopped walking. ORGON Tell Monsieur Tartuffe this from me. M. LOYAL What message shall I deliver? ORGON Tell him that I curse the day I ever welcomed him into my house. M. LOYAL sighed softly. M. LOYAL Such emotions are understandable. DORINE laughed bitterly. DORINE Understandable indeed. M. LOYAL gathered his papers. M. LOYAL I will return tomorrow morning to complete the arrangements. ELMIRE nodded. ELMIRE Very well. M. LOYAL bowed again and exited. The room fell silent. ORGON collapsed into a chair. ORGON My house… my fortune… everything lost because of that hypocrite. ELMIRE placed a hand on his shoulder. ELMIRE Do not lose courage. ORGON How can I not lose courage? DORINE crossed her arms. DORINE Perhaps the story is not finished yet. ORGON looked up. ORGON What do you mean? DORINE That man may believe he has won, but the law can still surprise him. ELMIRE nodded slowly. ELMIRE Yes… perhaps justice will appear at the last moment. ORGON shook his head. ORGON I fear we have already lost. Just then CLEANTE entered quickly. CLEANTE I have heard the news. DORINE Then you know everything. CLEANTE Yes. Tartuffe has moved quickly. ORGON Too quickly. CLEANTE looked thoughtful. CLEANTE Still, I believe the king’s justice may yet protect you. ORGON You still hope for justice? CLEANTE Yes. Hypocrisy often destroys itself. DORINE nodded. DORINE That is true. ELMIRE listened quietly. ELMIRE But we must prepare for the worst. ORGON sighed deeply. ORGON Tomorrow we may be homeless. CLEANTE spoke firmly. CLEANTE Let us wait until tomorrow comes. At that moment another knock was heard at the door. DORINE looked toward it nervously. DORINE Who could that be now? CLEANTE went to the door and opened it. A POLICE OFFICER entered the room. The family looked at him with fear and confusion. Part 12 The POLICE OFFICER stepped into the room with calm authority. Everyone looked at him anxiously. ORGON Sir, what brings you here? POLICE OFFICER I have come to carry out an order. ORGON sighed heavily. ORGON Then it is true. Tartuffe has already called the authorities. POLICE OFFICER Monsieur Tartuffe informed us of a matter concerning certain documents. ORGON’s face grew pale. ORGON The box… ELMIRE looked at him quickly. ELMIRE Do not speak too soon. POLICE OFFICER I am searching for a man named Orgon. ORGON stepped forward. ORGON I am that man. POLICE OFFICER studied him carefully. POLICE OFFICER Then you must come with me. DORINE cried out. DORINE Arrest him? ORGON raised his hands calmly. ORGON Yes… I expected this. CLEANTE stepped forward. CLEANTE Sir, may we at least understand the accusation? POLICE OFFICER Certain papers were placed in the hands of Monsieur Tartuffe. ORGON spoke bitterly. ORGON Yes. Papers that I foolishly entrusted to him. POLICE OFFICER Those papers concern matters of great importance to the state. ORGON bowed his head. ORGON I see. ELMIRE stepped forward bravely. ELMIRE My husband acted only out of friendship. He meant no harm. POLICE OFFICER Perhaps. ORGON spoke quietly. ORGON There is no need to defend me. I deserve the consequences of my blindness. DORINE looked angrily toward the door. DORINE That hypocrite planned everything. CLEANTE remained calm. CLEANTE Sir, surely the authorities will examine the entire situation before judging. POLICE OFFICER nodded slightly. POLICE OFFICER The king is well known for his wisdom and fairness. ORGON looked up with surprise. ORGON The king? POLICE OFFICER Yes. He paused a moment. POLICE OFFICER The king has been informed of this matter. Everyone in the room held their breath. POLICE OFFICER continued. POLICE OFFICER And after careful consideration, he has made his judgment. ORGON spoke quietly. ORGON Then I am ready to hear it. POLICE OFFICER turned toward the door. POLICE OFFICER Bring him in. Two guards entered the room. Between them stood TARTUFFE. TARTUFFE looked confident. TARTUFFE Ah, Monsieur Orgon. Justice has arrived. ORGON looked at him with anger but said nothing. TARTUFFE turned toward the officer. TARTUFFE Sir, this is the man I accuse. POLICE OFFICER nodded calmly. POLICE OFFICER Yes. TARTUFFE smiled slightly. TARTUFFE Then you will arrest him at once. POLICE OFFICER raised his hand. POLICE OFFICER Yes. He turned suddenly toward the guards. POLICE OFFICER Arrest this man. The guards immediately seized TARTUFFE. TARTUFFE stared in shock. TARTUFFE What! What are you doing? POLICE OFFICER Executing the king’s order. TARTUFFE There must be some mistake! POLICE OFFICER No mistake. He looked at Tartuffe sternly. POLICE OFFICER The king has long known of your crimes. You have used false religion to deceive many honest people. TARTUFFE struggled. TARTUFFE This is impossible! POLICE OFFICER Your hypocrisy has been exposed. TARTUFFE I demand justice! POLICE OFFICER You will receive justice in prison. The guards held him firmly. ORGON stared in astonishment. ORGON Is this truly happening? POLICE OFFICER turned toward him. POLICE OFFICER Yes. He spoke with dignity. POLICE OFFICER The king understands that you were deceived by a dangerous hypocrite. ORGON bowed deeply. ORGON May Heaven bless the king for his wisdom. POLICE OFFICER The king also orders that your property be returned to you. DORINE clapped her hands with joy. DORINE Wonderful! ELMIRE smiled with relief. ELMIRE Justice has prevailed. CLEANTE nodded. CLEANTE The king has shown great wisdom indeed. TARTUFFE cried out in despair. TARTUFFE This cannot be happening! POLICE OFFICER spoke firmly. POLICE OFFICER Take him away. The guards led TARTUFFE toward the door. TARTUFFE struggled helplessly. TARTUFFE You will regret this! But no one listened. The guards dragged him out of the room. Silence filled the house. ORGON slowly turned toward his family. ORGON What happiness after so much misery. ELMIRE smiled gently. ELMIRE Truth always finds its way to the light. CLEANTE spoke calmly. CLEANTE Let this be a lesson for us all. ORGON nodded. ORGON Yes. From now on I will trust reason more than appearances. DORINE laughed. DORINE And perhaps listen to your family once in a while. ORGON smiled. ORGON Yes… that too. He turned toward MARIANE, who had just entered the room. ORGON My daughter, your marriage with Valere shall take place at once. MARIANE’s face filled with joy. MARIANE Thank you, father. CLEANTE spoke warmly. CLEANTE Then let us celebrate the end of this strange adventure. ORGON looked around the room at his family and friends. ORGON Yes. Let us celebrate honesty and truth. They all smiled as peace finally returned to the house.