La Forest

So?

MOLIERE

Don't you know that the greatest battles are
fought in the heart of man?

La Forest

That sounds well enough to say but will it be
worth listening to in the theatre?

MOLIERE
That isn't in the play.
La Forest

Well, never mind if it is or isn't. Don't you
know that all the great plays are about war and
death?

MOLIERE 1

[Laughing.]
They used to be but now Moliere is in the field.
La Forest
You think very well of yourself, don't you. Mon-
sieur?

Moliere

And you, La Forest, what do you think of me?



42 MOLIERE [Act I

La Forest

I'll tell you when the play is written.
[At this moment Colinge enters. He is an
old man who has been from the beginning a
member of Moliere's troupe, — a poor old
played-out actor pathetically conscious that
the end of his career is upon him. His adora-
tion for Moliere is that of a faithful old dog
for its master.]

Colinge
Master, may I speak with you?

La Forest

Get out, Colinge. Can't you see that he's read-
ing to me?

Colinge

Oh, I'd forgotten it was Wednesday.
La Forest

This time we'll both forgive you.
[He turns to go.]

Moliere

Colinge, what is it?

Colinge
Master, can you spare a moment only?



Act I] MOLIERE 43

MOLIERE

Of course, come in.
La Forest
^Resenting this.]
What!

MOLIERE
Now look here, La Forest, just because you are
my critic you needn't think you own me bones and
body.
La Forest
[Angry.]
So! You're going to let him interrupt your play
so that you two cronies can sit and gab. Women
have the name for chatter, but we are hard put to it
to beat you men at gossip.
