PHI. Offer your epigram to our impatience.
TRI. (to PHILAMINTE). Alas! it is but a new-born child, Madam, but its fate ought truly to touch your heart, for it was in your court-yard that I brought it forth, but a moment since.
PHI. To make it dear to me, it is sufficient for me to know its father.
TRI. Your approbation may serve it as a mother.
BEL. What wit he has!
SCENE II.—HENRIETTE, PHILAMINTE, ARMANDE, BÉLISE, TRISSOTIN, LÉPINE.
PHI. (to HENRIETTE, who is going away). Stop! why do you run away?
HEN. I fear to disturb such sweet intercourse.
PHI. Come nearer, and with both ears share in the delight of hearing wonders.
HEN. I have little understanding for the beauties of authorship, and witty things are not in my line.