ELMIRE: However high the passion which inflames us,
Still, to confess its power somehow shames us.

[Quelque raison qu’on trouve à l’amour qui nous dompte,
On trouve à l’avouer toujours un peu de honte.]

Molière (1622-1673) French playwright, actor [stage name for Jean-Baptiste Poquelin]
Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite [Le Tartuffe, ou L’Imposteur], Act 4, sc. 5 (1669) [tr. Wilbur (1963)]
    (Source)

On women modestly protesting against the advances of lovers.

(Source (French)). Alternate translations:

Whatever Reason we may find for the Passion that subdues us, we shall always be a little ashm'd to own it.
[tr. Clitandre (1672)]

Whatever reason we may find for the passion that subdues us, we always feel some shame in owning it.
[tr. Van Laun (1876)]

Whatever reasons we may find to justify the love that conquers us, there is always a certain shame attached to the avowal of it.
[tr. Wall (1879)]

Whatever gratification we may find for the passion that subdues us, we shall always be rather ashamed to own it.
[tr. Mathew (1890). 4.4]

Whatever reasons we may find for the love which conquers us, there is always a little shame in the avowal of it.
[tr. Waller (1903)]

Whatever cause we find to justify
The love that masters us, we still must feel
Some little shame in owning it.
[tr. Page (1909)]

Even though overmastered by our feelings,
We always find it shameful to admit them.
[tr. Bishop (1957)]

However strong and justified our flame,
We never can admit it without shame.
[tr. Frame (1967)]

No matter how much love persuades us,
we always feel a tiny bit of shame.
[tr. Steiner (2008)]


 
Added on 3-Apr-25 | Last updated 3-Apr-25
Link to this post | No comments
Topics: , , , , , , ,
More quotes by Moliere

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *