SCENE II.

Mr. ARGANT, alone.

Yes, go, and flee from me forever, you wicked sprite.

AIR: Margot on the brunette.

What petulance!
O Heaven! What arrogance!
What petulance!
My faith, I am losing my mind.
Alas, what to do!
This shrew,
In her anger,
Makes so much noise,
That she reduces me to silence.

AIR: I feel the supper that awaits me.

However, listen, Madame,
It is I who deserve the blame;
She is as gentle as a sheep.
Such sweetness! ... ah! It enrages me:
Such a sheep in a household
Is a hundred times worse than a Dragon.

ARIETTA.

O treacherous women,
Your false caresses,
Your beautiful words,
Deceitful, frivolous,
Are like a snare
Where the most wary are caught completely.
A sweet smile,
Flatters us, attracts us;
An expression
Childlike,
Teases us;
Polite discourse,
Tender language,