Tartuffe monologue (Act 3) — Tartuffe

May Heaven forever in its great bounty Grant you good health both in soul and body, And bless your days as much as he desires Who is the humblest of those your love inspires! Elmire. I'm much obliged for your pious wishes, but please, Let us be seated and put ourselves at ease. Tartuffe [sitting down]. Have you quite recovered from your illness? Elmire [sitting as well]. Yes, my headache quickly lost its sharpness. Tartuffe. My prayers haven't enough value to buy Such grace from the Heavenly One on High, But most of my recent prayers have in essence Been mainly focused on your convalescence. Elmire. Your concern for me is somewhat disquieting. Tartuffe. I dearly cherish your precious well-being, And to restore it I would have given my own. Elmire. Such Christian charity is overblown, But I am much obliged for all your care. Tartuffe. I try to do as much for you as I dare. Elmire. I wish to speak of some private business And am pleased there's no one to overhear us. Tartuffe. I, too, am delighted, and entre nous It's very sweet being one-on-one with you. For this also have I begged the Deity, But only now has he granted it to me. Elmire. I myself want an encounter between us two Where your whole heart is opened through and through.