Nothing could be said fairer; it is really the best way to proceed cautiously. Perhaps I have dreamt of horns without any cause, and the perspiration has covered my brow rather prematurely. My dishonour is not at all proved by that portrait which frightened me so much. Let me endeavour then by care…
SCENE XIV.—SGANARELLE, SGANARELLE'S WIFE, standing at the door of her house, with LELIO.
SGAN. (Aside seeing them). Ha! what do I see? Zounds! there can be no more question about the portrait, for upon my word here stands the very man, in propria persona.
SGAN.'S WIFE. You hurry away too fast, sir; if you leave us so quickly, you may perhaps have a return of your illness.
LEL. No, no, I thank you heartily for the kind assistance you have rendered me.
SGAN. (Aside). The deceitful woman is to the last polite to him. (Sganarelle's Wife goes into the house again).
SCENE XV.—SGANARELLE, LELIO.
SGAN. He has seen me, let us hear what he can say to me.
LEL. (Aside). Oh! my soul is moved! this sight inspires me with… but I ought to blame this unjust resentment, and only ascribe my sufferings to my merciless fate; yet I cannot help envying the success that has crowned his passion. (Approaching Sganarelle). O too happy mortal in having so beautiful a wife.