Alceste. Je ne dis pas cela.
Mais....
Oronte. Est-ce que j'ecris mal?
Alceste. Je ne dis pas cela.
Mais enfin....
Oronte. Mais ne puis-je savoir ce que dans mon sonnet?...
Alceste. Franchement, il est bon à mettre au Cabinet.
To speak plainly, Good Public! you are robbed. This is speaking bluntly, but the thing is very evident. (C'est cru, mais c'est clair).
The words theft, to steal, robbery, may appear ugly words to many people. I ask such people, as Harpagon asks Elise,** "Is it the word or the thing which frightens you?"
* See Molière's play of The Misanthrope.—Translator.
** See Molière's play of Oevare.—Translator.