Original subtitles

The Miser

My dear Élise, you grow sad...

...after given me tokens of your love.

I see you sigh in the midst of my joy.

Do you regret having made me happy?

Do you repent of the engagement which my love has forced from you?

No, Valère I do not regret what I do for you.

I feel carried on by too delightful a power...

...and I do not even wish that things should be otherwise than they are.

Yes, I am anxious about the consequences.

I greatly fear that I love you more than I should.

What can you fear from the affection you have shown me?

Alas! A hundred things at a time.

The anger of my father the reproaches of my family...

...the censure of the world...

...and, above all, Valère, a change in your heart.

I fear that coldness with which your gender repays an innocent love.

Do not judge of me by others.

Think me capable of everything, Élise...

...except of falling short of what I owe to you.

I love you too much for that.

And my love will be as lasting as my life.

Ah! Valère, all men say the same thing.

All men are alike in their words.

Their actions show the difference that exists between them.

Then why wait for actions...

...if by them you judge the truthfulness of my heart?

Do not suffer your anxious fears to wrong us both.

Do not let an unjust suspicion destroy that which is to me dearer than life...

...but give me time to show you...

...a thousand proofs the sincerity of my affection.

How easily do we allow ourselves to be persuaded by those we love.

I feel sure that your heart is utterly incapable of deceiving me...

...that your love is sincere...

...and that you will ever remain faithful to me.

If I grieve, it will only be over...

...the difficulties of our position.

But why even this fear?

If everybody knew you as I do, I should not have much to fear.

I find in you enough to...

...justify all I do for you.

My heart knows all your merit...

...and feels, moreover, bound to you...

...by deep gratitude.

How can I forget that horrible moment when...

...we met for the first time?

Your generous courage...

...in risking your own life...

...to save mine from the fury of the waves.

Your tender care afterwards...

...your constant attentions...

...and your ardent love...

...which neither time nor difficulties can lessen.

For me you neglect your parents and country...

...you give up your own position in life...

...to be a servant of my father.

How can I resist the influence this has over me?

Is it not enough...

...to justify in my eyes my engagement to you?

Yet, will be enough to justify it in the eyes of others?

And how can I feel sure that my motives will be understood?

It is by my love alone...

...that I trust to deserve you.

As for your scruples, your father himself justifies you...

...but too much before the world.

And his extreme greed might authorise...

...stranger things still.

Forgive me, my dear, for speaking thus before you...

...but you know that, no good can be said of him.

However, if I locate my parents, they will be favourable to us.

I am expecting news of them with great impatience...

...but if none comes I will search of them myself.

Do not leave me. Try to ingratiate yourself in my father's favour.

You can see how I set about it...

...and the manoeuvres I have used in order to introduce myself...

...into his service.

You know the part I play to acquire his affection.

I succeed wonderfully well...

...and I feel that to obtain favour with men...

...pretend to be of their way of thinking.

Fall in with their maxims, praise their defects...

...and applaud all their doings.

One need not fear to overdo it...

...for however gross the flattery...

...the most cunning are easily duped.

There is nothing so impertinent or ridiculous...

...which they will not believe, provided it be well seasoned with praise.

Honesty suffers, I acknowledge...

...but when we have need, we must adapt ourselves...

...and if we have no other hope of success...

...it is not the fault of the flatterer...

...but the fault of those who wish to be flattered.

Try also to gain my brother's goodwill...

...in case the servant should betray our secret?

I am afraid I cannot humour them both.

The temper of the father...

...is so different from that of the son.

Rather, you try winning him over.

Make use of the love that exists between you...

...to enlist him in our cause.

I leave you, for he's coming.

Speak to him, sound him...

....and see how far we can trust him.

I fear I haven't the courage to reveal our secret.

I am very glad to find you alone, sister.

I longed to tell you a secret.

I am quite ready to hear you, brother. What is it you have to tell me?

Many things, sister, summed up in one word...

Love!

You love?

Yes, I love.

But, before I say more, I know I depend on my father...

...and that subjects me to his will...

...that it would be wrong to engage without his consent...

...that heaven has made him our master...

...and that it is our duty...

...to be in accordance to their wish.

That their judgment is not based by their lack of love...

...that they, therefore, judge better...

...what is good for us...

...that we ought to trust their experience...

...rather than the passion which blinds us...

...and that the rashness of youth often carries us...

...to the very brink of dangerous abysses.

I know all this, my sister, and I mention it...

...to spare you the trouble of repeating it...

...for my heart will not listen to anything...

...and I pray you to spare me your remonstrances.

Have you engaged yourself to her, my brother?

No

But I have determined to do so...

...and I beseech you not to dissuade me.

You find me a strange person, brother?

No, dear sister, but you do not love.

You know not the sweet power that love has upon our hearts...

...and I dread your wisdom.

Alas! my brother, let us not speak of my wisdom.

There are very few people who do not lack wisdom and...

...if I opened my heart to you...

...you would think me less than yourself.

Ah! Would to heaven that your heart, like mine....

Let us speak of you first, and tell me whom you love.

A young girl who recently arrived in our neighbourhood...

...who is made to inspire love in all those who behold her.

Nature, my dear sister...

...has made nothing more lovely...

...and I changed the moment I saw her.

Her name is Marianne...

...and she lives with a good, kind mother...

...who remains frequently ill...

...and for whom the dear girl...

...shows a greatest affection.

She waits upon her and comforts her...

...with a tenderness that would touch the very soul.

Whatever she undertakes is done in the most charming way...

...and in all her actions shine a wonderful grace...

...a most winning gentleness, an adorable modesty, a...

Ah, my sister, how I wish you had but seen her.

I see many things in what you tell me, dear brother...

...and it is sufficient for me to know you love her.

I have discovered, without their knowledge...

...that they are in poor circumstances...

...and have barely enough to cover their expenses.

Can you imagine, my sister...

...what happiness it must be...

...to improve the condition of those we love.

To skilfully to bring some relief...

...to the modest wants of a virtuous family?

And think what grief it is to be deprived of such joy...

...through the miser of our father...

...making it impossible for me...

...to provide proof of my love to her.

Yes, I understand, dear brother, what sorrow this must be to you.

It is greater, my sister, than you can believe.

For is there anything more cruel...

...than this mean economy to which we are subjected?

This strange penury in which we are made to pine?

What good is it to have a fortune...

...when we're not able to enjoy it.

To provide for my daily maintenance I get into debt on every side.

Both you and I are reduced to beg the help of tradespeople...

...in order to wear decent clothes!

I wanted to ask you...

...to help me sound my father of my present feelings...

...and if I find him opposed to them...

...I am determined to go elsewhere with this most charming girl...

...and to make the best of what providence offers us.

I am trying everywhere to raise money for this purpose...

...and if your circumstances, dear sister, are like mine...

...and our father opposes us...

...let us both escape him...

...and free ourselves from the tyranny...

..from his hateful avarice, which has trapped us.

It is true that every day he gives us more reason...

...to regret the death of our mother, and that...

I hear something. Let us move elsewhere.

We will join forces to attack his hard and unkind heart.

Get out of here, this moment.

Be gone out of my house...

...you sworn pickpocket, you veritable gallows' bird.

I never saw anything more wicked...

...who is possessed by a devil.

- What are you muttering? - Why do you send me away?

You dare to ask my reasons?

Out, before I thrash you.

What have I done to you?

Done? I wish you to piss off.

My master, your son, ordered me to wait for him.

Go and wait for him in the street!

Don't hang around here to take note...

...and make a profit of our household.

I won't have a spy on all my affairs...

...a treacherous scamp, whose cursed eyes watch all my actions...

...covet all I possess...

...and ferret about in every corner to see if there is anything to steal.

- How do you want me to... - To steal!

Are you a man likely to be robbed...

...when you put everything under lock and key.

...and mount guard day and night?

I will lock up whatever I think fit, and mount guard when and where I please.

Did you ever see such a spy take note of everything I do?

I tremble he suspect something.

Now, aren't you a fellow to give rise to stories...

...about me hiding money?

-You have hidden money in your house? -No, scoundrel! I do not say that.

I am furious!

I only demand that you don't spread rumours that I have some.

What does it matter whether you have money!

- It is the same to us all! - What?

You want to argue, do you?

Get out of the house.

Very well. I am going.

Wait! Are you carrying anything away with you?

What can I possibly carry away?

Come here, and let me see.

- Show me your hands. - There they are.

The others.

- The others? - Yes.

There they are.

Have you anything hid in here?

Look for yourself.

These wide knee-breeches are convenient receptacles of stolen goods.

Such a man deserves what he fears...

...and what joy it would be to steal from him.

What?

What is it you talk of stealing?

I say that you check everywhere for stolen items.

And I mean to do so!

Plague take all misers and all miserly ways!

Eh? What do you say?

What do I say?

What did you say about misers and their miserly ways.

I say plague take all misers and all miserly ways.

Of whom do you speak?

Of misers.

And who are they, these misers?

Villains and stingy wretches!

But what do you mean by that?

Why do you trouble yourself so much about what I say?

I trouble myself because I think it right to do so.

- Do you think I am speaking about you? - I think what I think

Tell me to whom you speak.

- I speak to my hat. - And I will speak to your head.

Would you prevent me from cursing misers?

I will prevent you from prating. Hold your tongue.

- I name nobody. - Another word, and I'll thrash you.

To whom the cap fits, let him wear it.

Will you be silent?

- Yes, much against my will. - Ha, ha.

Just look, here is one more pocket. Are you satisfied?

Come, give it up to me...

...without all that fuss.

Give you what?

What you have stolen from me.

I have stolen nothing at all from you.

- Are you telling the truth? - I am telling the truth.

Good-bye, and may you go to the devil.

That's a nice way of dismissing anyone.

I leave it to your conscience, remember!

This rascally valet is a constant vexation to me...

...and I hate the very sight of the good-for-nothing cripple.

It is no small anxiety to keep...

...a large sum of money.

Happy is the man who has all his cash well invested...

...and who needs not more than his daily expenses.

I am not puzzled to find in the this house a safe hiding-place.

Don't speak to me of your strong boxes.

I will never trust to them.

Why, they are just the very items thieves set upon.

Meanwhile, I hardly know whether...

...I did right to bury in my garden...

...the 10,000 crowns paid to me yesterday.

10,000 crowns in gold is a sum sufficiently...

Good heavens! I have betrayed myself.

My warmth has carried me away.

I believe I spoke aloud.

What do you want?

Nothing, father.

Have you been here long?

- We have only just come. - Did you hear?

- What? - There.

- What? - What I was just now saying.

- No.

- You did. - I beg your pardon, father.

I know well enough that you overheard my few words.

I was only talking to myself...

...the trouble one has nowadays to raise any money.

And fortunate is a man, who has 10,000 crowns in his house.

We were afraid of coming near you, for fear of intruding.

I am very glad to tell you this...

...so that you don't misinterpret...

...and think that I have 10,000 crowns.

We do not wish to interfere in your affairs.

If I had 10,000 crowns.

I should not think that...

What a capital affair it would be for me.

There are things...

- I greatly need them. - I fancy that...

- It would suit me exceedingly well. - I think...

And that I wouldn't suffer, as I do now...

...that the times are bad.

My god!

You have no reason to complain...

...and everyone knows that you are well enough off.

How? I am well enough off! Those who say it are liars.

Nothing can be more false, and they are scoundrels who spread such reports.

Don't be angry.

It is strange that my own children betray me...

...and become my enemies.

Is it wrong to say that you have wealth?

Yes, it is. Such talk and your extravagant expenses will be the cause...

...of someone cutting my throat in the belief that I am made of gold.

- What extravagant expenses do I indulge in? - Is there anything more scandalous...

...than this sumptuous attire with which you jaunt around the town?

I was remonstrating with your sister yesterday...

...but you are worse.

It cries vengeance to heaven...

...and were we to calculate all you are wearing...

...we should find enough for a good annuity.

I have told you a hundred times, that your manners displease me...

...you affect the marquis terribly...

...and your pompous attire confirms that certainly rob me.

Rob you? And how?

Where else could you find money to dress as you do?

I play...

...and as I'm lucky, I spend my winnings on clothes.

It is very wrong.

If you are lucky, you should profit by it...

...and save the money at decent interest...

...so that you benefit some day.

I mean, why the need for all these ribbons...

...with which you are decked from head to foot...

...and if half a dozen tags are not sufficient...

...to fasten your breeches.

What necessity is there to spend money on wigs...

...when we have our own hair which costs nothing.

I will lay a wager that...

...wigs and ribbons alone, costs around twenty crowns...

...and twenty crowns earns eighteen livres per annum...

...at only 8% interest.

You are quite right.

Enough on this subject. Let us talk of something else.

I believe they gesture to pick my pocket.

What do you mean by those signs?

We are hesitating as to who shall speak first...

...for we both have something to tell you.

And I also have something to tell you both.

It is about marriage, father...

...which we wanted to speak to you.

The very thing...

- ...I wish to speak to you about. - Ah! My father!

Why that exclamation? Does the word that frightens you?

Marriage may frighten us both...

...according to the way you take it...

...and our feelings may perhaps...

...not coincide with your choice.

A little patience, if you please. You need not be alarmed.

I know what is good for you both and you will have no reason to complain...

...of anything I intend to do.

I'll start at the beginning.

Do you know...

...a young person, called Marianne...

...who lives not far from here?

Yes, father.

And you?

I have heard her spoken of.

Well, my son, how do you like the girl?

She is very charming.

Her face?

Modest...

...and intelligent.

Her air and manner?

Perfect, undoubtedly.

You believe that such a girl...

...deserves to be thought of?

Yes, father.

She would form a very desirable match?

Very desirable.

That there is every likelihood of her making a thrifty wife?

Without doubt!

And that a husband might live very happily with her?

No doubt about it.

There is one little difficulty.

I am afraid she has no fortune...

...that we might reasonably expect.

Riches are of little importance...

...when one is sure of marrying a virtuous woman.

I beg your pardon.

If her finances aren't as we desire...

...we focus upon other elements to desire.

That follows as a matter of course.

I am very pleased that you agree with me...

...for her manner and her gentleness have won my heart...

...and I have made up my mind...

...to marry her, provided she comes with some dowry.

What?

You are resolved, you say...?

To marry Marianne.

Who? You? You?

Yes! Me Me! Me!

What does all this mean?

I feel a sudden dizziness...

...and I must withdraw myself.

It will be nothing.

Go quickly into the kitchen and drink a large glass of cold water.

There goes one of your effeminate fops...

...with no more stamina than a chicken.

That is what I have resolved for myself.

As to your brother, I have a certain widow...

...whom I heard about this morning.

And you I shall give to Mr. Anselme.

- To Mr. Anselme? - Yes

A staid and prudent man...

...who is not above fifty and of whose riches everybody speaks.

I have no wish to marry, father...if you please.

And I, my little girl, my darling...

...I wish you to marry...if you please.

I beg your pardon, my father.

I beg your pardon, my daughter.

I am the very humble servant of Mr. Anselme...

...but, with your leave, I shall not marry him.

I am your humble servant, but you will marry this very evening.

- This evening? - This evening!

- It cannot be done, father. - It will be done, daughter.

- No. - Yes.

- No, I tell you. - Yes, I tell you.

You will never force me to do such a thing.

I will force you to it.

I'd rather kill myself than marry such a man.

You will not kill yourself, and you will marry him.

Did one hear a daughter speak in such a fashion to her father?

Did one see a father marry his daughter after such a fashion?

It is a match against which nothing can be said.

A reasonable person would never approve of this judgement

- Volá Valère!

Shall we make him judge of this affair?

- Willingly. - You will abide by his decision?

Yes, whatever he decides, I will do.

Agreed.

Come here, Valère.

We have chosen you to decide who is right, me or her?

- It is certainly you, sir. - You know what we debate over?

No, but you're never wrong. You are reason itself.

I want to marry her to a rich man tonight...

...and the hussy scorns to take him.

What do you say to that?

What can I say?

I say that I am of your opinion...

...and that you are right...

...yet, perhaps, she is not altogether wrong and...

How so?

Mr. Anselme is an excellent match.

He is a nobleman of simple habits, and extremely well off.

He has no children from his first marriage.

Could she meet with anything more suitable?

It is true.

But she might say that you're going rather fast...

...and that she ought to have time to consider...

It is an opportunity. I must not allow to slip through my fingers.

I find an advantage which cannot be found elsewhere...

...and he agrees to take her without dowry.

Without dowry?

Yes.

Ah! I have nothing more to say.

A convincing reason and she must yield to that.

It is a considerable saving to me.

Undoubtedly, this admits of no contradiction.

It is true that she might feel...

...that marriage is a serious affair...

...and that the happiness, or misery of depends on...

...an engagement which is to last till death...

...and ought be entered into consideration.

Without dowry!

You are right.

That must decide everything.

However, some might advise that such occasions the wishes of a daughter...

...ought to be considered...

...and that this great disparity of age, of disposition...

...might cause an unpleasant married life.

Without dowry!

Granted, there is no reply to that.

Who in the world could think otherwise?

However! There are many fathers...

...who set values on the happiness of their daughter...

...than on the dowry given for their marriage...

...and who would view marriage as sweet conformity of tastes...

...which is a sure pledge...

...of honour, tranquillity and joy.

Without dowry!

That is true.

Nothing more can be said. Without dowry.

How can anyone resist such arguments?

I fancy. I hear a dog barking.

Is anyone after my money?

Surely, you mock yourself when you speak to him in that manner?

I do to not vex him, and secure my ends.

To resist him would simply spoil everything.

There are certain people who are managed by indirect means...

...temperaments averse from all resistance...

...restive natures...

...who always kick when we guide them on the road of reason...

...and who can only be led in the opposite fashion.

Pretend to comply with his wishes. You are likely to succeed in the end.

But this marriage, Valère?

We will find some pretext for breaking it off.

What pretext can we find if concluded tonight?

You must feign some illness or other.

But he will soon discover the truth if they call in the doctor.

Don't worry. What do doctors know?

You may complain of anything...

...the doctor will be at no loss to explain to you what is it.

Escape is our last resource to avoid all this.

If your love, dear Élise, is as strong as...

Yes, a daughter is bound to obey her father.

She has no right to inquire what husband is offered to her.

When the important "without dowry", presents itself...

...she must accept anybody that is given her.

That was beautifully said.

I beg your pardon, sir, if I went overboard.

I am delighted, and wish you to have her under your control.

I give him all the authority that heaven has given me...

...and you will listen to all that he tells you.

After that, resist all my expostulations, if you can.

Sir, if you permit me, I will continue on the lecture.

- You oblige me greatly. - She ought to be kept in a tight hand.

Do not be afraid, I shall convince her.

Do so. I am going to take a stroll in the town, and I will come back again.

Money is more precious than anything else in the world...

...and you should thank heaven that you have a worthy father.

When a man offers to marry a girl without a dowry...

...we ought to look no farther.

Everything is comprised in that, and "without dowry"...

...compensates for want of beauty...

...youth, birth, honour, wisdom and probity.

Ah, the honest fellow!

He speaks like an oracle.

Happy is he who can secure such a servant!

You rascal! Where have you been hiding?

Yes sire, I came here resolved to wait for you...

...but your father, that most ungracious of men...

...drove me into the street.

How is our affair progressing?

Things are worse than ever for us...

...I have discovered that my father is my rival.

Your father in love?

Yes, and I found it difficult...

...to hide my reaction from him.

He meddling with love!

What the deuce is he thinking of?

Is love made for people of his build?

His passion is to punish me for my sins.

But why hide your love from him?

That he may not suspect anything...

...and to make it more easy for me to stop this marriage.

What answer did you receive?

Sir, those who borrow are to be pitied.

- Then the affair won't come off? - Excuse me

Mr. Simon, the broker who was recommended to us...

...says he has left no stone unturned to help you.

He assures me that your looks alone have won his heart.

Shall I have the 15,000 crowns?

Yes, but under certain trifling conditions...

...which you must accept.

Of the 15,000 crowns...

...the lender will only provide 12,000 crowns

For the remaining 3,000...

...the borrower will give clothing and jewels...

...from the following catalogue...

...which the lender has provided in good faith at the lowest possible figure.

What is the meaning of all that?

I'll go through the catalogue.

First:

A fourpost bedstead, with hangings of Hungary lace...

...which are elegantly trimmed with olive-coloured cloth...

...and six chairs and a counterpane to match...

...in very good condition...

...and lined with soft red and blue shot-silk.

- What will I do with all these items? - Wait.

Plus:

Tapestry hangings...

...representing the loves of Gombaud and Mac.

Plus:

A large walnut table with uneven legs...

...and draws out at both ends...

...and is provided with six stools.

I'm furious.

Have patience.

Plus:

A Bologna lute...

...with all its strings, or nearly all.

Plus:

A lizard's skin, 3ft in length, stuffed with hay...

...a pleasing curiosity to hang on the ceiling.

The above-mentioned articles...

...are valued at more than 4500 crowns...

...and are reduced to the value of 1,000 crowns through the considerateness of the lender.

Let the plague choke his considerateness, the wretch, the cut-throat!

Is he not satisfied with my debt interest that he also sends this garbage!

I shan't get 200 crowns for all that.

Yet, I must yield to his wishes...

...for he is in a position to force me to accept everything...

...like a villain, with a knife at my throat.

I see you, sir on the high-road...

...followed by Panurge to ruin himself...

...taking money in advance, excessive purchases, selling cheap...

...and cutting your corn while it grows.

What would you have me do?

Young men are reduced by the accursed avarice of their fathers...

...and people are astonished, that such sons long for their death.

Yes, sir, it is a young man who is in need of money.

His affairs force him to find some...

...at any cost, and will submit to all your conditions.

But are you sure, Mr. Simon, there is no risk in this case?

And do you know the property or family name...

...for whom you speak?

No, I cannot tell you anything for certain...

...it was by mere chance that I was acquainted with him.

But he will tell you everything himself.

And his servant has assured me...

...that you will be satisfied when you learn of his identity.

All I can tell you...

...is that his family is very wealthy...

...that his mother has departed...

...that he will pledge his word...

...should you desire...

...that his father will die before 8 months have passed.

That is something.

Charity, Mr. Simon...

...demands of us to gratify people...

...whenever we have it in our power.

Evidently.

Mr. Simon is with your father.

- What? - Your father talking to Simon.

What?

Ah, you arrived in good time! But who told you to come here?

This is the gentleman who wishes to borrow the 15,000 crowns.

What, miscreant?

Is it you who abandon yourself to such excesses?

Is it you who stoop to such shameful deeds?

It is you who is ruining yourself with condemned loans?

It is you who seek to enrich yourself by criminal usury?

And you dare, to show yourself before me?

And you dare, to show yourself to the world?

Are you not ashamed, to descend to such wild excesses?

To rush headlong into frightful expenses...

...and disgracefully to dissipate...

...the wealth your parents have amassed.

Are you not ashamed...

...of dishonouring your station by such dealings?

Of sacrificing honour to the insatiable desire of heaping crown upon crown?

And of outdoing infamous devices...

...by the most notorious usurers?

Get out of my sight, you reprobate!

Who is the more criminal?

He who borrows the money in need...

...or he who obtains unnecessary profit, by unfair means?

Begone, I say, and do not provoke me to anger.

I am not vexed at this revelation.

It will be a lesson to keep a better watch over all his doings.

Sir.

Wait a moment, I will come back and speak to you.

Is it you, my poor La Flèche!

How is it we meet here?

It is you, Frosine, and what brings you here?

What I do everywhere else.

Profit as much by the small talent I possess.

You have business with the master of this house?

Yes. I am transacting for him a matter...

...for which I'm sure to be rewarded on.

From him? You will be 'cute if you ever get one...

...I warn you that his money is very scarce hereabouts.

But there are certain services which touch our feelings.

Your humble servant...

...but you don't know Harpagon.

Harpagon is the "human" of all humans...

...the "mortal" of all mortals. The least humane.

There is nothing more dry, more barren...

...than his favour and his good grace.

"Give" is a word for which he has such a strong dislike...

...that he never says "I give", but says "I lend, you a good morning"

My God.

I know the art of fleecing men.

I have a secret of touching their affections...

...by flattering their hearts...

...and of finding their weak points.

All useless here.

I defy you to soften the man we are speaking of.

He loves money more than reputation, honour, and virtue...

...and anyone making demands upon his purse sends him into convulsions.

It is like striking him in a vital place.

It is piercing to his heart, it tears out his very bowels.

He arrives. I will go.

- Well, what is it, Frosine? - My God!

How well you look!

You are the very picture of health.

Who, I?

Never have I seen you looking more rosy and hearty.

Are you in earnest?

What?

You have never been so young in your life...

And I know many of 25 who looks much older than you do.

And yet, Frosine, I have passed threescore.

60 years! Well, and what then?

It's the very flower of manhood...

...the threshold on the prime of life.

True.

But 20 years less would do me no harm, I think.

Nonsense.

You've no need of that...

...and you are built to last 100 years.

Do you really think so?

Decidedly.

Show me your hand.

No, I can't...

My God, what a line of life!

Where?

Don't you see how far this line goes?

Well, what does it mean?

Look, look, look...

That hurts.

I said 100 years but it should be 120 years!

120, is it possible?

I tell you they will have to kill you...

...and you will bury your children and your children's children.

So much the better.

And what news of our affair?

Is there any need to ask?

Did ever anyone see me begin anything and not succeed in it?

I have the most wonderful talent for matchmaking.

I could make the Grand Turk marry the Republic of Venice.

But we had, to be sure, to achieve this matter.

As I know the ladies very well...

...I told them every particular about you.

And I acquainted the mother with your intentions towards Marianne...

...since you first gazed upon her, at her window.

What did she answer?

She received your proposal with great joy.

And when I told how you wished that her daughter assists in the marriage tonight...

...for your own daughter...

...she assented at once, and entrusted her to me.

But Frosine, have you spoken to the mother...

...about the dowry she can give?

Did you make her understand that under such circumstances...

...she ought to do her utmost...

...and make a great sacrifice?

One does not marry a girl without her bringing something.

What?

Her expenses only amount to 12,000 crowns a year.

12,000 crowns a year?

Yes.

To begin with...she has been brought up with the strictest notions of frugality.

She is a girl accustomed to live upon salad, milk and cheese...

...and who will require neither a well served up table...

...nor other delicacies that women would want.

This is no small matter...

...and may amount to 3,000 crowns yearly.

Besides this...

...she only cares for simplicity and neatness...

...she will have none of those sumptuous furnishings...

...and this is worth more than 4,000 crowns per annum.

Lastly...she has the deepest aversion to gambling...

...not very common nowadays among women.

Let us reckon only a fourth of that sum.

5,000 crowns a year at play...

...and 4,000 in clothes and jewels...

...equals to 9,000 crowns.

Add 3,000 for food...

...does it not make your total of 12,000 crowns?

That's not bad, but that calculation...

...has nothing real in it.

Excuse me!

Is it nothing real to bring you in marriage a great sobriety...

...to inherit a great love for simplicity in dress...

...and the acquired property of a great hatred for gambling?

It is a farce...

...to pretend a dowry with all the expenses she will not run into.

I could not give a receipt for what I do not receive...

...and I must decidedly get something.

My God.

My God!

You will get enough...

...they have spoken to me of a certain country...

...where they have some property, of which you will be master.

We shall have to see to that.

...there is one more thing that makes me uneasy.

The girl is young, you know...

...and young people generally like those...

...who are young like themselves.

I am afraid that a man of my age may not exactly suit her taste...

...and that might present certain complications...

...that would be unpleasant to me.

Oh, how badly you judge her.

This is one more peculiarity of which I had to speak to you.

She has the greatest detestation to all young men...

...and only likes old people.

Does she?

Yes, she does.

I should like you to hear her talk on that subject.

She cannot bear the sight of a young man...

...and nothing delights her more...

...than to see a fine old man with a venerable beard.

The oldest are to her the most charming...

...and I warn you not to make yourself any younger.

She wishes for a 60 year old.

4 months ago, on the eve of her marriage...

...she broke off the match on learning that he was 56 years old...

...and wore no spectacles to sign the contract.

- Only for that? - Yes.

Yes, she says there is no pleasure with a young man of 56...

...and has an affection for those who wear spectacles.

Well, this is quite new to me.

No one can imagine how far she carries this.

She has in her room a few pictures...

...and what do you imagine they are?

An Adonis, a Paris, an Apollo?

No, fine portraits of Saturn...

...of King Priam...

...of old Nestor...

...and of good father Anchises on his son's shoulders.

That's admirable. I should never have guessed.

Indeed had I been a woman...

...I would have never loved young fellows.

I should think not.

Fine trumpery indeed, these young men.

Fine jackanapes for a woman to hanker after.

I don't understand how it is...

...that some women dote so on them.

They must be downright idiots who thinks youth amiable.

Can boys be men, and can one get attached to such animals?

Exactly what I say every day! With their effeminate voices...

...their three bits of cat's whiskers...

...their pompous wigs and flowing breeches.

Yes, they are nothing compared with yourself.

In you we see a man.

There is enough to satisfy the eye.

It is thus that one should be made and dressed to inspire love.

You think I am pretty?

What?

You are charming...

...and your face would make a beautiful picture.

Turn round, if you please.

You could not find anything better anywhere.

Let me see you walk.

You have a well-shaped body...

...free and easy, as it should be...

...and one which gives no sign of illness.

I am thankful to be healthy.

It is only my cough...

...which returns from time to time.

That is nothing.

And coughing becomes you exceedingly well.

Sir, I have a small request to make.

I am in danger of losing a lawsuit...

...for want of a little money.

Imagine how happy she will be to see you.

Oh! How sure you are to please her.

And how your antique ruff will produce a wonderful effect on her.

Really, sir, this lawsuit is of the utmost importance.

If I lose, I am ruined.

Sir, sir, please.

No, I can't.

I would not persist you, if I were not compelled by necessity.

Do not refuse me the service, sir.

I beg of you. You will hardly believe, the pleasure when she sees you.

May the fever seize you, you stingy cur, and send you to the devil.

The miser has held out against all my attacks.

But I must not drop the negotiation...

...for I have the other side...

...and there, I am sure of a good reward.

Come here, all of you.

I must give you the following orders.

Come here, Dame Claude.

You are ready and armed, I see.

To you I commit the care of cleaning up everywhere...

...however, don't rub the furniture too hard, for fear of wearing it out.

Besides this...

...I put the bottles under your care during supper...

...and if any of them is missing, or gets broken...

...you will be held responsible, and taken out of your wages.

Go.

Brindavoine and La Merluche...

...you will clean the glasses and serve the drinks.

But only when people are thirsty...

...and not according to the custom...

...of certain lackeys, who urge them to drink.

Wait until you have been asked several times...

...and remember always to have plenty of water.

Wine without water gets into one's head.

Be very careful not to spoil your clothes.

You know that one of my doublet...

...is covered with a large stain of oil.

And I, sir...

...my breeches are all torn behind...

- ...and saving your presence... - Peace!

Turn carefully...

...towards the wall, and always face the company.

And you...

...always hold your hat in this fashion.

As for you, my daughter, you will look after the food served...

...and see that nothing is wasted.

This care is very becoming to young girls.

Meanwhile be ready to...

...welcome my lady-love, who will visit this afternoon...

...and will take you to the fair.

Do you understand what I say?

Yes, father.

And you, my son...

...to whom I have the kindness of forgiving events earlier...

...don't receive her coldly.

Receive her coldly? Why should I?

We know the ways of children whose fathers marry again...

...and the looks they give to those we call stepmothers.

But if you wish me to forget your last offence...

...I advise you, above all things, to receive her kindly...

...and to give her the heartiest welcome you can.

I cannot promise my joy of seeing her become my stepmother.

I would lie if I said otherwise.

However, as to giving her a kind welcome...

...I promise to obey you in that.

Be careful you do, at least.

You will see no cause to complain.

You will do wisely.

Good, everybody, let's go!

Valère, help me with this.

Master Jacques, I kept you last.

Is it to your coachman...

...or cook you wish to speak with? For I am both.

To both.

But which of the two first?

To the cook.

Then wait, if you please.

What the deuce is the meaning of this ceremony?

I am at your service.

I have engaged myself, Master Jacques, to give a supper tonight.

Wonderful!

Tell me, can you make us a good supper?

Yes, if you give me money.

The deuce! Always money!

They have nothing else to say except money, money, money!

Always that same word in their mouth. They always speak of money!

It's their pillow companion, money!

Never did I hear such an impertinent answer!

Would you call it wonderful...

...to provide good cheer with plenty of money?

Is it not the easiest thing in the world?

The most stupid could do as much.

But a clever man...

...should talk of a good supper made from little money.

A good supper with little money?

Yes.

Indeed, you will oblige me by sharing your secret...

...and also by filling my place as cook...

...for you keep on meddling in my affairs.

Hold your tongue. What shall you cook?

Ask that of Mr. Steward, who can feed all with little money.

I want you to answer me.

How many will arrive for supper?

How many will arrive for supper?

Eight or ten, but you must only reckon for eight.

When there is enough for eight, there is enough for ten.

That is evident.

Very well then, you must have four tureens of soup...

...and five side dishes.

Soups.

Entrees.

What? Do you intend to feed a whole town?

Roast...

Traitor! You consume all my substance.

- Entremets - More still?

Do you mean to kill everybody?

And has your master invited people in order to destroy them with over-feeding?

Go and read a health guidebook, and ask the doctors...

...if there is anything so hurtful as excessive eating.

He is right.

Know, Master Jacques, people like you...

...overload a table with unfriendly meat.

To respect the friends we invite...

...frugality should reign throughout...

...and that according to the ancient sayings...

"We must eat to live...

...and not live to eat!"

How well the man speaks!

Approach and let me embrace you.

The finest sentence that I have ever heard...

"We must live to eat, and not eat..."

No, that isn't it. How do you say it?

"That we must eat to live, and not live to eat."

Do you hear that?

Which wise man said that?

- I do not recollect his name. - Remember to write down those words for me.

I will have them engraved in gold in my dining room.

I will not fail.

As for your supper, you better let me manage it.

Do so.

So much the better. All the less work for me.

You must cook dishes which it is not possible to eat much.

Some good fat beans...

...and stuffed chestnuts.

Something that swells up.

Trust me.

Now, Master Jacques, you must clean my carriage.

Wait a moment. This is for the coachman.

You say?

That you must clean my carriage...

...and have my horses ready to ride to the fair.

Your horses, sir?

Your horses, let's see.

They're in no condition to ride.

The poor things have nothing to lie upon...

...and it would not be telling the truth.

The austerity they suffer...

...have made them nothing but phantoms.

They have nothing to do.

And because they do nothing, must they eat nothing?

It would be better for them to work hard and eat well.

It breaks my heart to see them so reduced...

...for I love my horses...

...and when I see them suffer, I too suffer.

Every day I take the bread out of my own mouth...

It hard-hearted to have no compassion upon one's neighbour.

They must ride to the fair.

No, sir. I haven't the heart to drive them.

It would go against my conscience to move them in the state they are in.

How can they drag a carriage...

...when they have no strength to drag themselves along?

Monsieur.

I will ask our neighbour, Picard, to drive them...

...so that he can get the supper ready.

I'd rather they die under a stranger’s hand instead of mine.

Master Jacques is mightily considerate.

Mr. Steward is mightily indispensable.

- Peace. - No, sir.

No, no. I can't bear his flatteries.

His continual watching on the bread, wine, wood, salt, and candles...

...is done but to carry favour with you.

I am indignant.

And I am sorry to hear everyday what is said of you...

...for, after all, I have a certain tenderness for you...

...and, except my horses, you are the person I like most.

Tell me, Master Jacques, what it is that is said of me.

Certainly, sir. However, I fear you will be angry.

No, no, never fear.

Excuse me, but I am sure you will be angry.

No, on the contrary, you will oblige me.

I will be glad to know what people say of me.

Since you wish it, sir...

...frankly you are the laughing-stock of everybody...

...that they taunt us everywhere by a thousand jokes on your account...

...and that nothing delights people more than to make sport of you...

...and...

...to tell stories about your stinginess.

One says that you have special almanacs printed...

...where you double the vigils...

...so that you may profit by the fasts undertaken in your household.

Another, that you purposely quarrel with your servants at Christmas time...

...or when they leave you...

...so that you may give them nothing.

Another story is that you prosecuted a neighbour's cat...

...because it had eaten up the remainder of a leg of mutton.

Another says that one night...

...you were caught stealing your horses' oats...

...and that your previous coachman...

...gave you a good beating, in the dark...

...of which you said nothing.

What is the use of going on?

We can go nowhere...

...but we are sure to hear you pulled to pieces.

You are the butt of everybody jokes...

...and everyone has nicknamed you...

...a miser, stingy, mean...

...and usurer.

You are a fool...

a rascal, a scoundrel.

Didn't I said that you will get angry if I spoke the truth.

Learn how to speak.

Well, Master Jacques, your frankness is badly rewarded.

Mr. Upstart, you who assume the man of consequence, it is no business of yours.

Laugh at your own cudgelling...

...and don't laugh at mine.

Master Jacques, don't get into a passion, I beg of you.

I will put on a bold face...

...and if he is afraid of me...

I will pay him back somewhat.

Do you know, Mr. Grinner... ...that I am not laughing?

And that if you provoke me, I shall make you laugh in another fashion?

- Gently. - How gently?

- Come. - You are an impudent rascal.

Master Jacques...

None of your Master Jacques here!

If I take up a stick, I shall soon make you feel it.

- What do you mean by a stick? - No, I don't mean anything.

Do you know, Mr. Conceit, that I can give you a good beating?

I have no doubt of it.

That you are nothing but a scrub of a cook?

I know it very well.

And that you don't know me yet?

I beg your pardon.

- You will beat me, you say? - I only spoke in jest.

I don't like your jesting.

I spoke in jest.

You are but a sorry hand at jesting.

Plague take my sincerity. It is a bad trade.

I will cease to tell the truth.

It is all very well for my master to beat me.

But as for that Mr. Steward, I will take my revenge on him.

Is your master is at home?

Yes, he is indeed. I know it but too well.

Tell him, please, that we are here.

Frosine, how strange I feel.

And how I dread this interview.

Why should you? What can you possibly dread?

Alas, can you ask me?

Can you not understand the alarms...

...of meeting my instrument of torture.

I see very well.

Harpagon is not the torture you would embrace.

I know the young man you spoke of...

...is still in your thoughts.

Frosine, it is a thing I do not wish to deny.

His visits to our house...

...left a great impression on my heart.

But do you know who he is?

No, I do not.

All I know is that he is made to be loved.

That if things were left to my choice...

...I would marry him than any other...

...and that he adds to the dread...

...of the husband they want to force upon me.

I understand this clashes with the end I propose...

...and of the certain inconveniences to be endured by marrying a miser...

...but that won't last...

...and his death will allow you to find a more pleasant husband...

...who will make amends for all.

What a strange state of things that we must await...

...the death of another.

Yet death will not fall in the projects we make.

You are joking?

Marry him with the understanding that he includes you in his will.

It must be one of the articles in the marriage contract.

It would be wrong of him to remain alive three months after.

Do not be offended, fair one, if I come to you with my glasses on.

I know that your beauty is great enough...

...to be seen with the naked eye.

But it is with glasses that we look at the stars...

...and I maintain and uphold that you are a star.

The most beautiful and in the land of stars.

- Here he is, in person. - O, Frosine, what a sight.

Frosine.

She does not respond to me...

...nor shows any joy at the sight of me.

It is because she is quite awe-struck...

...and young girls are always afraid of showing what they feel.

You are right.

My darling, I present my daughter arriving to welcome you.

I apologise for my lateness in the visit I owed you.

You have done what I ought to have done.

What a great girl she is, but ill weeds grow apace.

Oh, what an unpleasant man!

- What does my fair one say? - That you are perfect.

You do me much honour, my adorable darling.

What a dreadful creature!

I really feel grateful to you for these sentiments.

I can bear it no longer.

Here is my son...

...who arrives to pay his respects to you.

Frosine, he is the one...

...whom I spoke to you about.

Well, that is extraordinary.

You are surprised to see that my children are grown adults...

...but I shall soon get rid of both of them.

Madam, to tell you the truth, I never expected such an event...

...and my father surprised me...

...when he told me today of his decision.

I can say the same thing.

It is an unexpected meeting...

...and I certainly was far from being prepared for such an event.

Madam, my father cannot make a better choice...

...and it is a great joy to welcome you here.

But I cannot rejoice if it were your intention...

...to become my stepmother.

I must confess that I would find it difficult...

...to accept that title to you name.

To some this speech would seem coarse...

...but I feel that you understand it.

This marriage, Madam, is altogether repugnant to me.

Now that you know who I am...

...and understand how it conflicts my own interests...

...and with my father's permission, allow me to say...

...that, if things depended on me, it would never take place.

What an impertinent speech to make to her!

I must confess it is the same with me...

...if it's repugnant seeing me as your stepmother...

...I shall feel no less when seeing you as my stepson.

Don't believe that this trouble was intentional.

I would be deeply grieved to have cause you sorrow...

...and unless I am forced by a power, whom I must obey...

...I would never consent to a marriage which is so painful to you.

She is right. A foolish speech deserves a foolish answer.

I beg your pardon, my love, for the impertinence of my son.

He is a silly young fellow, who has not learnt the value of his own words.

I assure you that he has not at all offended me.

I am thankful that he has spoken so openly.

I care greatly for such a confession from him.

If he had spoken differently, I'd feel less esteem for him.

It is very kind of you to excuse him thus.

Time will make him wiser, and you will see that his feelings will change.

No, father...

...they will never change...

...and I beg of you, Madam, to believe me.

Did ever anybody see such folly? He is becoming worse and worse.

Would you have me false my inmost feelings?

Again! Change your manners, if you please.

Very well, since you wish me to speak differently.

Allow me, Madam...

...to take for a moment my father's place...

...and say how I've never seen anyone more charming than you...

...that no happiness is equal to that of pleasing you...

...and to marry you would be glorious...

...a fate, I should prefer to...

...a destiny of a great princes.

Yes, Madame...

...to possess you is the best of all treasures.

...to obtain you is my ambition.

There is nothing I would do for such a precious conquest...

...and the most powerful obstacles...

Gently, my son, if you please.

These are complimentary words which I speak in your name.

I have a tongue of my own to explain my feelings.

I don't need an procurer, like you.

Bring us some chairs.

No, it is better for us to go at once to the fair...

...in order to return earlier, and have plenty of time for talking.

Have the carriage ready at once.

I hope you will excuse me, my dear...

...I forgot to order refreshments, before you went out.

Do not worry, father.

I have already ordered food to be brought in...

...oranges, sweet citrons, and preserves, which I sent for in your name.

You are afraid that it will not be enough?

I hope, Madam, that you will have the kindness to excuse it.

This wasn't necessary.

Did you ever see a more brilliant diamond...

...than the one my father has upon his finger?

You must see it near.

It is beautiful?

It is very beautiful and possesses a great lustre.

No, Madam, it is in hands too beautiful.

It is a present my father gives you.

Me?

Is it not true, father, that you wish her to keep it?

What?

He is signalling me for you to accept it.

- I would not... - He would not take it back.

I am bursting with rage.

- It would be... - No, I tell you, you will offend him.

- Pray... - By no means.

Plague take...

He is shocked at your refusal.

- Traitor! - You see he is in despair.

You villain!

Father, I do all I can to persuade her to accept it.

Rascal!

You are the cause, Madam, of my father scolding me.

Scoundrel!

You will make him ill. For goodness' sake, hesitate no longer.

Keep the ring, since the gentleman wishes you to.

I will keep it, sir, in order not to make you angry...

...and I shall take another opportunity of returning it to you.

Sir, there is a gentleman who wants to speak to you.

Say that I cannot see him.

He says he has some money for you.

Pray, excuse me, I will return.

Oh! He has killed me.

What's the matter, father?

Have you hurt yourself?

The traitor...

...must have been bribed by my debtors...

...to break my neck.

I beg your pardon, sir, I thought I had better run fast to tell you.

What are you here for?

Your horses have lost their shoes.

Take them quickly to the smiths.

In the meantime I will do the honours...

...and escort this lady into the garden, where lunch will be served.

No, not in the garden.

Very well, father.

Keep an eye and save as much as you can...

...so that we may return them back to the merchant.

I will.

Let us go in here.

We can speak openly.

Madam, my brother has spoke on the love he has for you.

I assure you that I have the greatest sympathy.

It is a great comfort in my trouble to have your sympathy...

...and I entreat you, Madam, to retain for me a friendship...

...so capable of softening the cruelty of my fate.

Frosine, dear Frosine...

...will you not help us?

Indeed, I should like to,

I feel ready to help...

...when I see young people in love...

...in all earnestness and honesty.

What can we do in this case?

Try and think a little.

Advise us.

Invent something to undo these events.

Rather a difficult piece of business.

The most disheartening part is your father...is your father.

Yes, so it is.

He will bear malice if he is refused...

...and won't give his consent to your marriage.

However, if the refusal could be made to come from him...

...and you make him dislike you.

- You are quite right. - Yes, right enough, no doubt.

But how in the world can we make that happen?

Wait a moment.

Suppose we had a somewhat elderly woman...

...helped with a little of my talent...

...and able to represent...

...a lady of rank...

...of some whimsical title of...

...a marchioness or viscountess...

...whom we can say arrives from Brittany.

I should have enough power...

...over your father...

...to persuade him that she is a rich woman.

In possession, besides her houses...

...of a 100,000 crowns in ready coins.

That she is deeply in love...

...and that she would marry him with a big inheritance...

...under a marriage contract.

I have no doubt he would listen to the proposal.

For certain he loves you very much...

...but he loves money more.

Once he has consented to your marriage...

...it won't matter when he finds out...

...the true state of affairs about our marchioness.

All that is very well made up.

Depend on my gratitude, Frosine, if you succeed.

Leave it to me.

But, dear Marianne win over your mother...

...forget not, I beseech you, those sweet persuasions...

...those loving caresses of which nothing could be refused.

I will do all I can, and will forget nothing.

My son is kissing the hand of his intended stepmother...

...and his intended stepmother does not seem averse to it.

Can there be any mystery in all this?

Here comes my father.

Your carriage awaits.

Since you are not going, allow me to take care of them.

No, I need you here. They can take care of themselves.

Stepmother aside, what do you think of her?

What I think of her?

Yes, her figure, her beauty and intelligence?

So, so.

What else?

To tell you the truth, I did not find her as I expected.

Her manner is that of a coquette.

Her figure is awkward.

Her intelligence of the meanest order.

I do not make you dislike her.

I like this stepmother as well as any other.

You spoke to her just now....

I paid her several compliments in your name

...only to please you.

So you don't care for her?

I? Not in the least.

I am sorry for it...

...for it puts an end to a scheme which had occurred to me.

Since I have seen her, it has made me conscious of my age...

...and others might criticize me marrying a young girl.

It made me decide to abandon the idea...

...and since I demanded her in marriage...

...and given my promise...

...I would have given her to you.

- To me? - To you.

- In marriage? - In marriage.

It is true she is not to my taste...

...but, to please you, father, I will bring myself to marry her.

I am more reasonable than you think. I don't wish to compel you.

Excuse me! I will make an attempt to love her.

No, no, a loveless marriage isn't fair on you.

Time, will resolve that. Love is often the fruit of marriage.

No, it is not right for you to risk it.

If you had felt any inclination for her...

...you should have married her instead of me...

I will return to my first intention and marry her myself.

Well, father, since things are so...

...I had better be frank and reveal our secret to you.

The truth is that I love her, since the first day we met.

I had intended to ask you for her hand...

...and I was only deterred when you spoke of marrying her.

Have you ever paid her any visits?

Yes, father.

Many?

Yes, for a while.

You were well received?

Very well, but without her knowing who I was...

...that is why Marianne was surprised when she saw me today.

Have you discussed your intention of marrying her?

Certainly. I also spoke to her mother on the subject.

Did she receive your proposal for her daughter?

Yes, very kindly.

And does the daughter return your love?

If I can believe appearances...

...she is certainly well disposed towards me.

I am glad to have learnt of this secret.

It is the very thing I wanted to know.

Now, look here, my son, I tell you what.

You will cease your love for Marianne...

...and all attentions to a person...

...that I intend for myself...

...and you will marry a woman of my choosing.

So, father, you deceive me.

Since things have come to such a pass...

...I openly declare that I will never give up Marianne.

Henceforth, nothing will stop me to win her against you.

And if you earn the consent of her mother...

...I shall use other resources to aid me.

You dare to trespass on my grounds?

It is you who trespass on my grounds. I was the first.

Am I not your father? Do you not owe me respect?

There are things in which children owe no deference to their fathers...

...and love is such a cause.

My stick will make you know better.

Your threats mean nothing to me.

- You will renounce Marianne? - Never.

Gentlemen, what does this mean?

- I don't care a bit for it! - Calm down!

- Such impudence! - Sir!

I shall keep to it.

Let me do it.

To your son? To me it's different.

Master Jacques. I will make you judge...

...so that you understand my reasons.

I accept.

Move further back.

There is a young girl I want to marry...

...and this scoundrel also wants to marry her.

- Oh, he is wrong. - Is it not abominable...

...to see a son becoming the rival of his father?

Is it not his duty to refrain from interfering with my romance?

You are quite right.

Let me go and speak to him.

If he wants to make you a judge, I have no objection...

...and I don't mind referring our quarrel to you.

You do me great honour.

I am in love with a girl who returns my affection...

...but my father disturb our love by asking her hand in marriage.

He certainly is wrong.

Is it not shameful...

...for an elderly man to marry a young girl?

Shouldn't he leave that to younger men?

You are quite right. Let me speak with him.

Your son isn't as unreasonable, and has reason.

He is conscious of the respect he owes you...

...and that he only got angry in the heat of the moment.

He will willingly submit to you wishes...

...if you promise to treat him more kindly...

...and allow him to marry a person of his choosing.

Tell him, Master Jacques. I agree to everything...

...and that, except Marianne, I leave him free to choose.

- Except Marianne? - Except Marianne.

Leave it to me.

Your father isn't as unreasonable, as you claimed

He admits it was your violence, which irked him.

However, he is ready to grant your wishes...

...provided you will use gentle means...

...and offer him the respect...

...which a son owes to his father.

Master Jacques, if he grants me Marianne...

...he will always find me the most submissive of men...

...and that I shall never do anything contrary to his pleasure.

He consents to what you say.

Nothing could be better.

He is satisfied with your promises.

Heaven be praised!

Gentlemen, your quarrels are over and are in agreement together.

Master Jacques, I am obliged to you for the rest of my life.

Don't mention it.

You have given me great pleasure and deserve a reward.

I will remember it, I promise you.

I'll kiss your hands.

I beg your pardon, father, for having been angry.

It is nothing.

I assure you that I regret my actions earlier.

I am delighted to see you reasonable again.

How very kind of you to forget my fault.

One easily forgets the faults of children when they return to their duty.

You are not angry at my extravagant behaviour?

By your respectful conduct you compel me to forget my anger.

I assure you, father...

...my heart will remember your kindness.

And I promise in future, you will obtain all you desire.

I ask nothing more.

It is sufficient that you give me Marianne.

What?

My father, that I am thankful...

...when you give me Marianne, you give me everything.

Who talks of giving you Marianne?

- You, my father. - Me?

Without doubt.

Was it not you who promised to give her up?

- I, give her up? - Yes.

Certainly not.

Did you not give up all pretensions to her?

On the contrary.

What, scoundrel! Again?

Nothing can make me change my mind.

Let me at you again, wretch!

Do as you please.

- I forbid you to come within my sight. - As you like.

I abandon you.

Abandon me.

I disown you

I disinherit you.

As you will.

I give you my curse.

I want none of your gifts.

Sir, you arrive in the nick of time.

- Quick, follow me. - What is the matter?

- Follow me, I say. - How?

- Here is all you want. - What?

- I watched this all day. - What is it?

- Your father's treasure. - How did you find it?

I will tell you.

Let us move. I can hear him.

Thieves! Assassins!

Justice, the heavens!

I am undone, I am murdered.

They have cut my throat. They have stolen my money.

Who can it be? Where can they be?

Where is he? Where does he hide?

Where shall I find him?

Where shall I run? Where shall I not run?

Is he not here?

Who is this?

Stop! Give me back my money, wretch!

Ah...! It is myself.

My mind is wandering.

I know not...where I am... who I am...and what I am doing.

Alas, my poor money.

My poor money.

My dearest friend, they have bereaved me of thee...

...and since thou art gone, I have lost my support...

...my consolation, and my joy.

I have nothing more in the world.

Without thee it is impossible for me to live.

I can bear it no longer.

I am dying.

I am dead. I am buried.

Is there nobody who will resurrect me...

...by restoring my dear money to me...

...or by telling me who has taken it?

What is it you say? It is no one?

Whoever has committed this vile deed...

...must have waited for his opportunity...

...and chose the moment while I was talking with my miscreant of a son.

I must go. I will demand justice...

...and place the whole household to the torture...

...my maids, my valets, my son, my daughter and myself too.

Everyone here awakens a suspicion in me.

They all appear to be my thief.

What do they speaking? Of him who stole my money?

What noise is up yonder? Is it my thief?

If you know of the thief...

...I beseech you to tell me.

Does he hide amongst you?

They all look at me and laugh.

We shall witness if they obtain a share from the robbery.

Quick! Magistrates, Police, Provosts...

...Judges, Racks, Gibbets and Executioners.

I will hang everybody.

And if I do not find my money, I will hang myself.

Leave it to me. I know my business.

This is not my first time catching the thieves.

I wish I had every crown...

...for the thousands I've hanged.

Every magistrate...

...must take this affair in hand.

And if my money is not found...

...I shall call justice against justice itself.

We must investigate all needful steps.

What was in that casket?

Ten thousand crowns in cash.

Ten thousand crowns?

Ten thousand crowns!

There is no punishment great enough for the enormity of the crime.

If it remain unpunished...

...the most sacred things are no longer secure.

What type of coinage was in that sum?

In good Louis d'or and pistoles full of weight.

Whom do you suspect?

The whole world!

I wish you take into custody the whole town and suburbs.

You must not frighten anybody...

...we must use gentle means to collect evidence...

...in order to proceed with more rigour...

...for the recovery of the sum.

I will return. Have his throat cut at once...

...have his feet singed... ...put him in boiling water...

...and hang him up to the ceiling.

Who? Him who has robbed me?

I was speaking of a sucking pig...

...that your steward has just sent me.

This is no longer the question! This gentleman wish to interrogate you!

Don't get frightened.

I don't wish to cause any scandal. I will investigate by gentle means.

Is this gentleman invited for supper?

You must, in this case, my good man...

...hide nothing from your master.

Sir, I will treat you in the best manner possible.

That's not the question.

If I don't perform as good, it is the fault of your steward

...who has clipped my wings with his economy.

Rascal! We have pressing matters to discuss!

I want you to confess where my money is?

Some money has been stolen from you?

I'll have you hanged if you don't return it

Don't be hard upon him.

I see by his looks that he is an honest fellow...

...and that he will reveal to us all...

...without going to prison.

Yes, my friend. If you confess, no harm shall come to you...

...and you shall be well rewarded by your master.

Some money has been stolen from him...

...and it is not possible that you know nothing about it.

The very thing I desired, to take revenge against that steward.

I have lost favour since his arrival.

His advice is always the bible.

Moreover, I haven't forgotten the cudgelling given today.

What are you muttering?

Leave him. He is preparing to satisfy you.

I said he was an honest fellow.

Sir...

...since you asked for my account...

...It was your steward who has done this.

Valère?

Yes.

He, who seemed so faithful to me!

Himself.

I believe he has robbed you.

And what makes you believe it?

What makes me believe it?

-Yes.

I believe it...because I believe it.

On what evidence?

Did you see him near where I hid my money?

Yes, indeed. Where was your money?

- In the garden. - Yes, I saw him in the garden.

- And in what was it hidden? - A casket?

Yes. I saw him with a casket.

Describe my casket. (I'll see if he lies)

Yes!

It was like... like a casket.

Of course. But describe it a little.

It was a large casket.

The one taken from me was small.

Yes, small in size...

...but I said large because of its contents.

And what colour was it?

- What colour? - Yes.

Of a colour...

...of a certain colour.... Can't you help me find the word?

No.

Red?

No, grey.

Yes, reddish-grey. That's what I meant.

There is no doubt. It's was my casket.

Write down his evidence, sir!

Heavens! Whom can we trust?

We must never swear to anything.

I believe now that I might rob my own self.

He returns!

I beg of you not to reveal my statement.

Come here.

Confess your abominable action.

The most horrible crime, that was ever committed.

What do you want, sir?

Wretch! Do you not blush for shame?

Of what crime do you speak?

Of what crime I speak? Villain, as if you did not know.

It is in vain for you to conceal it.

The thing is discovered.

How could you abuse my kindness...

...and betray me.

Since everything is known to you, I will neither deny, nor find excuses.

Have I guessed the truth?

I intended to confess...

...and was waiting for a favourable opportunity.

But, as this is no longer possible, I beg of you to hear my motives.

And what fine motives can you possibly give me?

I do not deserve such treatment.

I am guilty, but my crime is pardonable.

Pardonable? What an assassination!

I beseech you not to be angry with me.

The harm is not so great as you make out.

The harm not so great?

What, my heart's boils, scoundrel!

Your blood has not fallen into bad hands.

My rank is high enough not to disgrace it...

...and there is nothing for which reparation cannot be made.

It is my intention that you restore what you have taken.

Your honour, shall be fully satisfied.

Honour is not the question. Tell me why you commit this deed?

You ask?

Yes, I rather do.

For all excuses the Lord give to us: Love.

Love?

Yes.

For love, indeed. For love of my gold!

No, sir.

Your wealth has never tempted me.

I swear never to have an eye on your possessions.

Leave me with my own feelings.

In the name of the devil, I shall not leave it.

Such villainy! He wishes to keep what he has robbed me of.

Do you call that a robbery?

If I call that a robbery? A treasure like that!

It is a treasure, and the most precious one you have...

...but it's value won't be lost under my care

I beg on my knees for this delightful treasure...

...and if you do right, you will grant it to me.

I will do nothing of the kind.

We've pledged our faith and taken an oath together.

The oath is admirable, and the pledge pleasant!

Yes, we are engaged forever.

I know well enough on how to disengage you.

Nothing but death can separate us.

You're devilishly bewitched by my money.

I have told you already, sir...

...it wasn't due to my own self-interest nor did it prompted my heart...

...a nobler motive inspired me.

We shall next hear that it is out of Christian charity.

Impudent rascal! Justice, will soon give me satisfaction.

Do as you please, I am ready to suffer all your violence...

...but I beg of you...

...to believe that I am the only one guilty...

...and that your daughter has done nothing wrong.

I should think so. It would be strange, if my daughter was guilty.

I will have that treasure back again...

...and you must confess where you have taken it!

I have not taken it. It is still in your house.

O my beloved casket! The treasure has not left my house?

No, sir.

Then, tell me, did you touch it?

Touch?

You wrong us both.

My burning flame is pure and full of respect.

He burns for my casket?

I had rather die than display an offensive thought.

I found much modesty for that.

My casket modest?

All my desires were limited to the pleasures of sight...

...and nothing criminal has profaned the passion her eyes inspired me with.

The eyes of my casket?

He speaks of it as a lover does his mistress.

Dame Claude knows the truth, and bears witness to it.

My servant, an accomplice?

I say, I say...

Yes, sir, she was a key witness of our engagement together...

...and she helped myself and your daughter in our affairs

Has the fear of justice made him lose his senses?

What rubbish are you talking about my daughter?

I found it difficult to make her modesty consent to what my love asked.

The modesty of whom?

Of your daughter. It was only yesterday...

...the she signed our promise of marriage.

My daughter signed a promise of marriage?

Yes, sir, and I have also signed.

O heavens! Another misfortune!

Write, sir, write.

Aggravation of misery! Excess of despair!

Sir, discharge your duty...

...and draw up an indictment against him as a thief and a suborner.

Such names I do not deserve, and when you learn who I am...

Guilty daughter!

Unworthy of a father like me.

Is it thus you put into practice my lessons?

You give your heart to an infamous thief...

...and engage yourself without my consent.

You shall both be disappointed.

Four strong walls will answer for your conduct...

...and the gallows shall do me justice for your audacity.

Your anger will be no judge in this affair...

...and I shall be heard before I am condemned.

I was wrong to say gallows. You shall be tortured on the wheel.

Father!

Be merciful, I beseech you...

...and do not let paternal authority drive matters to extremes.

Do not be carried away by the outburst of your passion...

...but give yourself time to consider what you do.

Take the trouble of inquiring about him whose conduct has offended you.

He is not what you imagine.

Without him you would have lost me long ago.

Yes, father, he saved me from the great danger of drowning...

...and to whom you owe the life that saved me...

It would have been much better...

...if he had suffered and you had drowned!

My father, I beseech you, in the name of paternal love...

I will hear nothing further. Justice must be done!

You shall pay for the blows you gave me.

What a perplexing state of affairs!

You are quite upset, Mr. Harpagon.

Mr. Anselme.

...you see in me the most unfortunate of men...

...you can't imagine what vexation is connected with the contract you have come to sign.

I am attacked in property. I am attacked in honour.

That scoundrel has violated the most sacred rights...

...who gain trust into my household to steal my money...

...and seduce my daughter!

Who thought of your money?

They have made a promise of marriage.

This insult concerns you, Mr. Anselme...

...who ought to prosecute against him...

...to the utmost, for revenge!

It is not my intention to lay claim...

...on a heart already bestowed.

However, as far as your wealth is concerned...

...I am ready to prosecute them as my own.

Here is our honest commissary...

...who will omit nothing in the duties of his office.

Charge him, and pass on the harshest sentence.

What crime they can pass of my love for your daughter...

No sentence can condemned me of that.

When it is known who I am...

I don't care a pin for all those stories.

The world is full of those pretenders...

...of those impostors, who take advantage of their obscurity...

...and deck themselves with a false illustrious name.

I am too upright to take on a false name...

...and that all Naples can bear testimony to my birth.

Take care of what you are about to say.

You risk more than you think.

You speak before a man to whom all of Naples is known...

...and can confirm if your story is true.

I am not a man to fear anything...

...and if all Naples is known to you, you know Don Thomas d'Alburci.

Few people know him better than I do.

I care neither for Don Thomas nor Don Martin.

Have patience. We shall soon know the truth.

That it is to him that I owe my birth.

To him?

- Yes.

Are you joking?

Seek a more probable tale...

...and don't pretend to shelter yourself under such imposture.

Consider your words before you speak.

It is no imposture, and I say nothing here that I cannot prove.

What?

You dare to call yourself the son of Don Thomas d'Alburci?

Yes, I dare, and I am ready to maintain the truth against anyone.

This audacity is marvellous.

Learn to your confusion...

...that 16 years ago this man died in a shipwreck...

... alongside his wife and children.

...whilst fleeing from persecution in Naples...

...which ordered the banishment of several noble families.

But learn to your confusion...

...that his 7 year old son was with a servant...

...and saved from the wreck by a Spanish vessel...

...and that this son now speaks before you.

The captain of that ship befriended me...

...and brought me up as his own son.

...and that the profession of arms has been my occupation ever since.

Lately, I've heard that my family are still alive

While seeking him out, by an accident, arranged by heaven...

...brought me to my charming Élise.

The sight of her made me a slave of her beauty...

...and the violence of my love and the harshness of her father...

...made me enter her house...

...and send another to search my parents.

But what other proofs you have...

...besides your own words.

The captain of the Spanish vessel...

...a ruby seal which belonged to my father...

...an agate bracelet....

...which my mother placed upon my arm..

...and old Pedro, who saved me from the wreck.

I can answer for what you have said...

...that you are my brother.

My sister?

Yes, my heart was touched as you began to speak.

Our mother often told me...

...the misfortunes of our family.

Heaven spared us from that dreadful wreck...

...and our life was spared at the cost of our liberty.

My mother and myself were taken up by pirates.

After 10 years of slavery a lucky event gave back our liberty...

...and we returned to Naples...

...where we found all our property sold, and no news of our father.

We left for Genoa...

... where my mother faced a disputed family estate...

...then leaving her unjust relatives...

...we arrived here to a weary life.

O heaven! How wonderful are thy doings!

How true that you work miracles.

Embrace me, my children.

Share the joy of your happy father.

You are our father?

It was for you that my mother wept?

Yes, my daughter.

Yes, my son.

I am Don Thomas d'Alburci...

...whom heaven saved from the waves...

...and who believed that all was lost...

...after 16 years, was preparing...

...after long search...

...to seek the consolations of a new family...

...in marrying a gentle and virtuous woman.

The lost happiness in Naples...

...made me abandon the idea of returning there...

...and having sold all my estates...

...I settled here under the name of Anselme

...to help forget the sorrows of a name.

- He is your son? - Yes.

I make you responsible for the 10,000 crowns he has stolen from me.

- He stole? - He himself!

- Who said so? - Master Jacques.

- You said that? - You see me talking?

There is the officer who has received his deposition.

You believe me capable of such a base action?

Capable or not capable, I must find my money.

Do not grieve for your money, father...

...nor accuse anyone else.

I have news...

...and I come here to tell you...

...that if you give consent for my marriage to Marianne...

...your money will be returned to you.

Where is it?

Do not trouble yourself.

It is in a safe place.

It is for you to decide...

...of either losing Marianne...

...or losing your casket?

Nothing has been taken out?

Nothing at all.

Is it your intention to agree to my marriage...

...and join with the consent of her mother...

...who leaves her at liberty to decide her own future.

That consent is no longer sufficient...

...and that heaven has returned both my brother...

...and my father, who also needs to provide consent.

Heaven has not restored you to me, to oppose your wishes.

Mr. Harpagon, you must be aware that the choice of a young girl...

...is more likely to fall upon the son.

Do not force people to say the unnecessary...

...and consent, as I do, to this double marriage.

In order for me to be satisfied, I must see my casket.

You shall see it safe and sound.

I have no dowry to give.

Never mind, I have some. Do not let this trouble you.

Do you take upon yourself the expenses of these two weddings?

Yes, I do.

Are you satisfied?

Yes, provided you order me a new suit for the wedding.

Agreed!

Let us go and enjoy the blessings this happy day brings us.

Stop, sirs, stop.

Who is to pay for my deposition?

We have nothing to do with that.

Indeed, and yet, I do not pretend to have worked for nothing.

In lieu of payment you can hang this fellow.

What is one to do?

I receive a good cudgelling for telling the truth...

...and now they would hang me for lying.

Mr. Harpagon, you must forgive him for his previous actions.

You will pay the officer then?

Sure.

To see my dear casket.

Harpagon.

Good luck, dear Harpagon.

Subtitles by Susutranvo