Monsieur De Pourceaugnac

Monsieur De Pourceaugnac
Жан-Батист Мольер

Molière

Monsieur De Pourceaugnac

MONSIEUR DE POURCEAUGNAC

BY

MOLIÈRE

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE

WITH A SHORT INTRODUCTION AND EXPLANATORY NOTES

BY

CHARLES HERON WALL

'Monsieur de Pourceaugnac', acted on October 6, 1669, is nothing but a farce. But Molière excels in farce as well as in higher comedy, and 'Monsieur de Pourceaugnac' is one of the best of its kind. The attacks upon the doctors of the time are not exaggerated. Molière acted the part of Mr. de Pourceaugnac.

PERSONS REPRESENTED

Mr. de Pourceaugnac. Oronte, father to Julia.

Éraste, lover to Julia.

Sbrigani, a Neapolitan adventurer.

First Physician.

Second Physician.

An Apothecary.

A Peasant.

A Female Peasant.

First Swiss.

Second Swiss.

A Police Officer.

Two Inferior Police Officers.

Julia, daughter to Oronte.

Nérine, an intriguing woman, supposed to come from Picardy.

Lucette, supposed to come from Gascony.

The scene is in Paris

ACT I

SCENE I. – ÉRASTE, A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several others performing on instruments, DANCERS

Era. (to the Musicians and Dancers). Carry out the orders I have given you for the serenade. As for myself, I will withdraw, for I do not wish to be seen here.

SCENE II. – A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several others performing on instruments, DANCERS

LADY (sings)

Spread, charming night, spread over every brow
The subtle scent of thy narcotic flower,
And let no wakeful hearts keep vigil now
Save those enthralled by love's resistless power.
More beautiful than day's most beauteous light,
Thy silent shades were made for love's delight.

FIRST SINGER

Love is sweet when none our wills oppose;
Then peaceful tastes our gentle hearts dispose;
But tyrants reign, who gave us birth and life.
Ah! love is sweet when love is free from strife.

SECOND SINGER

All who strive 'gainst love must fall;
Perfect love will conquer all.

ALL THREE

Let us love with an eternal ardour!
Let parents frown, and try in vain to cure,
Absence, hardship, or cruel fortune's rigour
Will only strengthen love when true and pure.

First entry of the Ballet

(Dance of the two Dancing Masters.)

Second entry of the Ballet

(Dance of the two Pages.)