SCENE V.—ARISTE, CHRYSALE, PHILAMINTE, BÉLISE, ARMANDE, HENRIETTE, CLITANDRE, A NOTARY, MARTINE.
PHI. How plainly he has disclosed his mercenary soul, and how little like a philosopher he has acted.
CLI. I have no pretension to being one; but, Madam, I will link my destiny to yours, and I offer you, with myself, all that I possess.
PHI. Yon delight me, Sir, by this generous action, and I will reward your love. Yes, I grant Henriette to the eager affection….
HEN. No, mother. I have altered my mind; forgive me if now I resist your will.
CLI. What! do you refuse me happiness, and now that I see everybody for me….
HEN. I know how little you possess, Clitandre; and I always desired you for a husband when, by satisfying my most ardent wishes, I saw that our marriage would improve your fortune. But in the face of such reverses, I love you enough not to burden you with our adversity.
CLI. With you any destiny would be happiness, without you misery.
HEN. Love in its ardour generally speaks thus. Let us avoid the torture of vexatious recriminations. Nothing irritates such a tie more than the wretched wants of life. After a time we accuse each other of all the sorrows that follow such an engagement.
ARI. (to HENRIETTE). Is what you have just said the only reason which makes you refuse to marry Clitandre?
HEN. Yes; otherwise you would see me ready to fly to this union with all my heart.
ARI. Suffer yourself, then, to be bound by such gentle ties. The news I brought you was false. It was a stratagem, a happy thought I had to serve your love by deceiving my sister, and by showing her what her philosopher would prove when put to the test.
CHRY. Heaven be praised!
PHI. I am delighted at heart for the vexation which this cowardly deserter will feel. The punishment of his sordid avarice will be to see in what a splendid manner this match will be concluded.
CHRY. (to CLITANDRE). I told you that you would marry her.
ARM. (to PHILAMINTE). So, then, you sacrifice me to their love?
PHI. It will not be to sacrifice you; you have the support of your philosophy, and you can with a contented mind see their love crowned.
BEL. Let him take care, for I still retain my place in his heart. Despair often leads people to conclude a hasty marriage, of which they repent ever after.
CHRY. (to the NOTARY). Now, Sir, execute my orders, and draw up the contract in accordance with what I said.