MASC. I acknowledge I am.
ERAS. And this impudence deserves a sound beating on the spot.
MASC. I am completely in your power,
ERAS. Ha! Gros-Rene.
GR.-RE. Sir?
ERAS, I contradict a story, which I much fear is but too true. (_To
Mascarille_). You wanted to run away.
MASC. Not in the least.
ERAS. What! Lucile is married to...
MASC. No, sir, I was only joking.
ERAS. Hey! you were joking, you wretch?
MASC. No, I was not joking.
ERAS. Is it true then?
MASC. No, I do not say that.
ERAS. What do you say then?
MASC. Alas! I say nothing, for fear of saying something wrong.
ERAS. Tell me positively, whether you have spoken the truth, or deceived
me.
MASC. Whatever you please. I do not come here to contradict you.
ERAS. (_Drawing his sword_). Will you tell me? Here is something
that will loosen your tongue without more ado.
MASC. It will again be saying some foolish speech or other. I pray you,
if you have no objection, let me quickly have a few stripes, and then
allow me to scamper off.
ERAS. You shall suffer death, unless you tell me the whole truth without
disguise.
MASC. Alas! I will tell it then; but perhaps, sir, I shall make you
angry.
ERAS. Speak: but take great care what you are doing; nothing shall save
you from my just anger, if you utter but one single falsehood in your
narration.
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