The Miser (Act 1 Scene 6)

SCENE VI.——HARPAGON, ÉLISE.

HAR.
There goes one of your effeminate fops, with no more stamina than a chicken. That is what I have resolved for myself, my daughter. As to your brother, I have thought for him of a certain widow, of whom I heard this morning; and you I shall give to Mr. Anselme.

ELI.
To Mr. Anselme?

HAR.
Yes, a staid and prudent man, who is not above fifty, and of whose riches everybody speaks.

ELI.
(curtseying). I have no wish to marry, father, if you please.

HAR.
(imitating Élise). And I, my little girl, my darling, I wish you to marry, if you please.

ELI.
(curtseying again). I beg your pardon, my father.

HAR.
(again imitating Élise). I beg your pardon, my daughter.

ELI.
I am the very humble servant of Mr. Anselme, but (curtseying again), with your leave, I shall not marry him.

HAR.
I am your very humble servant, but (again imitating Élise) you will marry him this very evening.

ELI.
This evening?

HAR.
This evening.

ELI.
(curtseying again). It cannot be done, father.

HAR.
(imitating Élise). It will be done, daughter.

ELI.
No.

HAR.
Yes.

ELI.
No, I tell you.

HAR.
Yes, I tell you.

ELI.
You will never force me to do such a thing

HAR.
I will force you to it.

ELI.
I had rather kill myself than marry such a man.

HAR.
You will not kill yourself, and you will marry him. But did you ever see such impudence? Did ever any one hear a daughter speak in such a fashion to her father?

ELI.
But did ever anyone see a father marry his daughter after such a fashion?

HAR.
It is a match against which nothing can be said, and I am perfectly sure that everybody will approve of my choice.

ELI.
And I know that it will be approved of by no reasonable person.

HAR.
(seeing Valère). There is Valère coming. Shall we make him judge in this affair?

ELI.
Willingly.

HAR.
You will abide by what he says?

ELI.
Yes, whatever he thinks right, I will do.

HAR.
Agreed.