pousser ma pointe, to continue my suit

10. nous l'avons dans notre manche (sleeve), we do with him whatever we want to.

11. la meilleure pâte d'homme, the best sort of a man. — Voua m'en direz des nouvelles, you will see.

Page 6<h — 1. un honnête homme, in the i7th century meaning, a gentleman.

2. Vos petites manières sont un peu aisées, your rude tnanners are carried a little toofar.

3. but à but, on a footing of equality. Arlequin makes f un of

F. 60-66] NOTES 8ï

his master, and Dorante seems to us too patient with his impertinent servant, fëc <*->>('; / /v^« i'»"'V^^^ av *

4. m'ait prévenu, hâve forestalled me. The expression is ambiguous, and we might believe, at first, that Mario had informed Dorante of Silvia's condition.

5. Mais • • • pas trop. Silvia's answer is pretty. She does not approve very much Dorante's idea of departing, and her pas trop is a maidenly acknowledgment of her love, which Dorante does not perceive, as he is jealous of Mario.

Page 61. — 1. d'être si bien au fait, to be so well informed.

2. je ne l'aime plus. This monologue of Silvia's is very interesting, and Marivaux makes a pretty study of a young girl's heart. She can hardly believe that Dorante will leave her, and her doubt, whether she loves him or not, is charming. Finally she is sure of her love and of his when she sees him return; and, to punish him for his hésitation, she prétends, in her turn, to leave him.

Page 62. — 1. Instruire un homme qui part, inform {of my sentiments) a man who is departing. A gentle and well deserved rebuke.

Page 63. — 1. rendre sensible, make y ou f ail in love.