Scene from "le misanthrope".
319
philinte.
And all poor mortals, every one, included?
Not one beneath the sky—
Not one beneath the sky—
alceste.
I tell you, no—
'Tis universal, and I hate all men.
These for ill doing, those for falsely winking
On evil-doers, not regarding vice
With the deep hate of virtuous souls. Thou seest
The full extent of this mean complaisance
Shown for the arrant knave at law with me.
Who does not know the traitor through his mask?
Who knows him not for what he is? His eyes
Devoutly rolling, and his sleekened voice,
Impose on strangers to his name and ways.
'Tis known this scoundrel by the basest means
Has pushed his fortunes, and their bright success
Makes worth complain and virtue blush. Howe'er
You pelt him with foul words, no man disputes.
Call him cheat, villain, rascal, all agree,
Yet all do welcome, smile on him; no door
'Tis universal, and I hate all men.
These for ill doing, those for falsely winking
On evil-doers, not regarding vice
With the deep hate of virtuous souls. Thou seest
The full extent of this mean complaisance
Shown for the arrant knave at law with me.
Who does not know the traitor through his mask?
Who knows him not for what he is? His eyes
Devoutly rolling, and his sleekened voice,
Impose on strangers to his name and ways.
'Tis known this scoundrel by the basest means
Has pushed his fortunes, and their bright success
Makes worth complain and virtue blush. Howe'er
You pelt him with foul words, no man disputes.
Call him cheat, villain, rascal, all agree,
Yet all do welcome, smile on him; no door
