CELIMENE: Madam, I have many thanks in return to you, and

such advice lays me under great obligation. Far from taking it

unkindly, I am only too anxious at once to prove my gratitude by
giving you on my part a certain piece of advice, which, wonderful
to say, closely concerns your honour; and as I see you prove
yourself my friend by informing me of the reports that people
spread about me, I wish, in my turn, to follow so pleasing an
example by acquainting you with what is said of you. In a certain
house, where I was visiting the other day, I met with people of the
most striking merit; and they, speaking of the duties of a person
who leads a virtuous life, turned the conversation, madam, upon
you. There, your prudishness and the vehemence of your zeal
were by no means quoted as a good example. That affectation of a
grave demeanour; your everlasting speeches on discretion and
honour; your simpering, and your outcries at the shadow of any
impropriety which an innocent though ambiguous word may
present; the high esteem in which you hold yourself, and the looks
of pity you cast upon others; your frequent lectures and your
sharp censures on things which are harmless and pure; all this,
madam, if I may speak the plain truth, was blamed by common
accord. For my part, I undertook your defense against every one,
and assured them it was all calumny; but the general opinion went
against me, and the conclusion was that you would do well to be
less solicitous about other people's actions and take more pains
about your own. Madam, I believe that you also are too sensible
not to take in good part this kindly-meant advice, and not to
attribute it to the earnestness of an affection which makes me
anxious for your welfare.