La Fontaine

That's wise. The play's the wittiest he's writ-
ten.
MoLIERE
La Forest, do you hear that?

La Forest
Don't believe him; he's been drinking, too.
Moliere

Then surely it's the truth, for critics lie when
sober. My comedy is good. The part grows
richer as I play it.
The Doctor

[To Moliere.]
Sir, though you scoff at me I beg you not to act
today.
Moliere

What? You would have me disappoint my pub-
lic and my company and this gallant gentleman who



Act III] MOLIERE 187

has so nobly decided to live until tomorrow just to
see me do Argan once again. [ Then to the others. ]
Come, gentlemen, I will go with you to the ticket
window. I too, Colinge. [Then when they have
reached the door.] And come back early, friends,
I urge you, for the house will be so full that there
will be no room — [and in his eyes there is a strange
look] no room, Claude, even for this death that
you are seeking. [Then to the Doctor, pointing to
Claude.] Go with them till the wine wears off.
He has more need of you than I.
[MoLiERE, La Fontaine, Claude and the
Doctor exit.]

Colinge
La Forest, he's worse. I can see it in his face.
La Forest
The Doctor's right if he play —

Colinge
He will. La Forest, even though —

La Forest
You are right, Colinge. I, too, know the mas-
ter. Alas, sad times have come to all of us.
