LEL. (To Sganarelle). You also told me that she, from whose hands you had received this pledge of her love, was joined to you in the bonds of wedlock.
SGAN. No doubt (pointing to his wife), for I snatched it from her, and should not have discovered her wickedness had I not done so.
SGAN.'S WIFE. What do you mean by your groundless complaint? I found this portrait at my feet by accident. After you had stormed without telling me the cause of your rage, I saw this gentleman (pointing to Lelio)nearly fainting, asked him to come in, but did not even then discover that he was the original of the picture.
CEL. I was the cause of the portrait being lost; I let it fall when swooning, and when you (to Sganarelle) kindly carried me into the house.
MAID. You see that without my help you had still been at a loss, and that you had some need of hellebore.
[Footnote: Among the ancients the helleborus officinalis or orientalis was held to cure insanity; hence the allusion.]
SGAN. (Aside). Shall we believe all this? I have been very much frightened for my brow.
SGAN.'S WIFE. I have not quite recovered from my fear; however agreeable credulity may be, I am both to be deceived.
SGAN. (To his wife). Well, let us mutually suppose ourselves to be people of honour. I risk more on my side than you do on yours; accept, therefore, without much ado, what I propose.
SGAN.'S WIFE. Be it so, but wo be to you if I discover anything.