all to do with you.
(_Pointing to_ ORGON.) My business is with this gentleman. He is
tractable and gentle, and knows too well the duty of a gentleman to
try to oppose authority.

ORG. But--

LOY. Yes, sir: I know that you would not, for any thing, show
contumacy; and that you will allow me, like a reasonable man, to
execute the orders I have received....

The scene gives in conclusion some spirited by-play of asides and
interruptions from indignant members of the family. Then follows scene
fifth, one exchange of conversation from which will sufficiently
indicate the progress of the plot:--

ORG. Well, mother, you see whether I am right; and you can judge of
the rest by the writ. Do you at last acknowledge his rascality?

PER. I am thunderstruck, and can scarcely believe my eyes and ears.

The next scene introduces Valere, the noble lover of that daughter whom
the infatuated father was bent on sacrificing to Tartuffe. Valere comes
to announce that Tartuffe, the villain, has accused Orgon to the king.
Orgon must fly. Valere offers him his own carriage and money,--will, in
fact, himself keep him company till he reaches a place of safety. As
Orgon, taking hasty leave of his family, turns to go, he is encountered
by--the following scene will show whom:--

TAR. (_stopping_ ORGON). Gently, sir, gently; not so fast, I beg.
You have not far to go to find a lodging, and you are a prisoner in
the king's name.

ORG. Wretch! you had reserved this shaft for the last; by it you
finish me, and crown all your perfidies.

TAR. Your abuse has no power to disturb me, and I know how to
suffer every thing for the sake of Heaven.

CLE. Your moderation is really great, we must acknowledge.

DA. How impudently the infamous wretch sports with Heaven!

TAR. Your anger cannot move me. I have no other wish but to fulfil
my duty.

MARIANNE. You may claim great glory from the performance of this
duty: it is a very honorable employment for you.

TAR. The employment cannot be otherwise than glorious, when it
comes from the power that sends me here.

ORG. But do you remember that my charitable hand, ungrateful
scoundrel, raised you from a state of misery?

TAR. Yes, I know what help I have received from you; but the
interest of my king is my first duty. The just obligation of this
sacre