Your presence in official garb is
necessary here. Follow me, please, with your lantern-bearer.
MAG. We were going...
SGAN. This is a very pressing business.
MAG. What is it?
SGAN. To go into that house and surprise two persons who must be joined
in lawful matrimony. It is a girl with whom I am connected, and whom,
under promise of marriage, a certain Val?re has seduced and got into his
house. She comes of a noble and virtuous family, but...
MAG. If that is the business, it was well you met us, since we have a
notary here.
SGAN. Sir?
NOT. Yes, a notary royal.
MAG. And what is more, an honourable man.
SGAN. No need to add that. Come to this doorway; make no noise, but see
that no one escapes. You shall be fully satisfied for your trouble, but
be sure and do not let yourself be bribed.
MAG. What! do you think that an officer of justice...
SGAN. What I said was not meant as a reflection on your position. I will
bring my brother here at once; only let the lantern-bearer accompany me.
(_Aside_). I am going to give this placable man a treat. Hulloa!
(_Knocks at Ariste's door_).
* * * * *
SCENE VI.--ARISTE, SGANARELLE.
AR. Who knocks? Why, what do you want, brother?
SGAN. Come, my fine teacher, my superannuated buck; I shall have
something pretty to show you.
AR. How?
SGAN. I bring you good news.
AR. What is it?
SGAN. Where is your L?onor, pray?
AR.
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