SCENE XII (Monsieur Jourdain, Madame Jourdain, Cleonte, Lucile, Covielle, Nicole)CLEONTE: Sir, I did not want to use anyone to make a request of you that I have long considered.It affects me enough for me to take charge of it myself; and, without further ado, I will say to you that the honor of being your son-in-law is a glorious favor that Ibeg you to grant me.
MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Before giving you a reply, sir, I beg to ask if you are a gentleman.
CLEONTE: Sir, most people don't hesitate much over this question.
They use the word carelessly.They take the name without scruple, and the usage of today seems to validate the theft.As for me, Iconfess to you, I have a little more delicate feelings on this matter.I find all imposture undignified for an honest man, and that there is cowardice in disguising what Heaven made us at birth;to present ourselves to the eyes of the world with a stolen title;to wish to give a false impression.I was born of parents who, without doubt, held honorable positions.I have six years of service in the army, and I find myself established well enough to maintain a tolerable rank in the world; but despite all that Icertainly have no wish to give myself a name to which others in my place might believe they could pretend, and I will tell you frankly that I am not a gentleman.
MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: Shake hands, Sir! My daughter is not for you.
CLEONTE: What?
MONSIEUR JOURDAIN: You are not a gentleman.You will not have my daughter.