(To Mascarille, disguised as a woman). Good Heavens! What a pretty creature! What a darling she looks! How now! What are you mumbling? Without offence, may I remove your mask and see your face.
TRUF. Hence! ye wicked rogues; begone, ye ragamuffins! And you, sir, good night, and many thanks.
SCENE XII.—LELIO, MASCARILLE.
LEL. (After having taken the mask from Mascarille's face).
Mascarille, is it you?
MASC. No, not at all; it is somebody else.
LEL. Alas! How astonished I am! How adverse is our fate! Could I possibly have guessed this, as you did not secretly inform me that you were going to disguise yourself? Wretch that I am, thoughtlessly to play you such a trick, while you wore this mask. I am in an awful passion with myself, and have a good mind to give myself a sound beating.
MASC. Farewell, most refined wit, unparalleled inventive genius.
LEL. Alas! If your anger deprives me of your assistance, what saint shall I invoke?
MASC. Beelzebub.
LEL. Ah! If your heart is not made of stone or iron, do once more at least forgive my imprudence; if it is necessary to be pardoned that I should kneel before you, behold…