Chapter: SCENE V    ORGON, ELMIRE, DAMIS, TARTUFFE


  DAMIS
  Father, we've news to welcome your arrival,
  That's altogether novel, and surprising.
  You are well paid for your caressing care,
  And this fine gentleman rewards your love
  Most handsomely, with zeal that seeks no less
  Than your dishonour, as has now been proven.
  I've just surprised him making to your wife
  The shameful offer of a guilty love.
  She, somewhat over gentle and discreet,
  Insisted that the thing should be concealed;
  But I will not condone such shamelessness,
  Nor so far wrong you as to keep it secret.

  ELMIRE
  Yes, I believe a wife should never trouble
  Her husband's peace of mind with such vain gossip;
  A woman's honour does not hang on telling;
  It is enough if she defend herself;
  Or so I think; Damis, you'd not have spoken,
  If you would but have heeded my advice.

 When Orgon enters the room, Damis lets the cat out of the bag. He tells Orgon all about Tartuffe's "adulterous offer," how Elmire was going to keep it a secret, and how he, Damis, just had to let Orgon know. Elmire defends her position, tells Damis that he should have kept silent, and leaves.

