Complete Works of Gustave Flaubert

by Gustave Flaubert

  LOUISE: Ah, you torture me!

  ROUSSELIN: I do not command — I supplicate you! [Kneels] Save me!

  LOUISE [her hand on her heart]: No! I cannot!

  ROUSSELIN [despairingly]: You will be compelled to reproach yourself for having killed your father!

  LOUISE [starts up]: Ah, my God! Do what you will, then! [Exit.

  ROUSSELIN [runs to door, up stage; opens it and speaks loudly]: Dodart! Give the Count my word of honour! Quick! [Comes down G] That was a painful scene! Poor little girl! But, after all, why shouldn't she love Onésime just as well as Murel? He is as good as any one else. And he will be much easier to manage than Murel! No, I have not done badly; everyone will be pleased, particularly my wife. [Starts] My wife! Ah! That serpent of an Arabella, with her lies and insinuations! In spite of myself, I — [Enter Voinchet] What! Do you not intend to vote?

  SCENE VIII.

  VOINCHET: Yes, immediately. There are fifteen of us from Bonneval; the others are waiting for me in the Café Français, and we shall all go to the city hall together.

  ROUSSELIN [very graciously]: And how can I be of service to you, Monsieur?

  VOINCHET: One of the engineers of the new railway has just told me that .the road will certainly be laid by way of Saint-Mathieu, although at first, it was thought that it would run through Bonneval. Considering that probability, I had bought a piece of ground, and, in order to be able to claim a larger indemnity, I had even started a nursery upon it! So now I find myself very much embarrassed. I wish to change my business, but how shall I dispose of about five hundred bergamot pear-trees, eight hundred peach-trees, three hundred Emperors of China, and more than a hundred and sixty pigeons?

  ROUSSELIN: I do not see that I can do anything to help you in the matter.

  VOINCHET: Pardon me! You have at the rear end of your park an excellent soil for raising fruit-trees — fine and rich! — and at the rate of thirty sous apiece, I will gladly turn over to you all my shrubs!

  ROUSSELIN [walks towards the door with Voinchet]: Well, well! I will decide about it later.

  VOINCHET: YOU will take them, of course? You shall receive the first load to-morrow. Now I will go to join my friends! [Exit.

  HOMBOURG [enters, L.]: I have only come to say, Monsieur, that you must take my —

  ROUSSELIN: But I have your chestnut horses already, man! They have been in my stable three days!

  HOMBOURG: And that's the right place for them! But listen — for rough cartage and heavy work, Monsieur de Bouvigny (oh! you will beat that man, without fail!) has refused to buy from me a fine, strong mare, and the price was a mere trifle — only forty pistoles!

  ROUSSELIN: And do you wish me to buy it?

  HOMBOURG: That would give me a great deal of pleasure, Monsieur!

  ROUSSELIN: Very well, I will take it.

  HOMBOURG: Excuse me, Monsieur Rousselin, but — is it too much to ask — a small sum on account — for the chestnuts, you know? The remainder at your leisure, of course!

  ROUSSELIN: Oh, certainly! [Goes to desk and opens drawer] How are things going at the city hall?

  HOMBOURG: All goes well.

  ROUSSELIN: Have you been there?

  HOMBOURG: Yes, indeed.

  ROUSSELIN [aside, pushes back the drawer]: There is no great hurry!

  HOMBOURG [sees Rousselin's movement]: That is to say, I went there, of course, to get my ballot. I have now just time to go and vote. [Rousselin opens drawer and hands money to Hombourg] Thanks for your kindness! [About to go] You ought to cut a dash, Monsieur Rousselin! Now, there is that pretty little Normandy nag I told you about —

  ROUSSELIN: Oh, enough! Enough!

  HOMBOURG: If it were freshened up a bit and well groomed, it would make a fine pony for Mademoiselle!

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: Poor Louise!

  HOMBOURG: It would be a pleasant distraction for her.

  ROUSSELIN [sighs]: Well, I will take the pony!

  [Exit Hombourg.

  BEAUMESNIL [standing at threshold of door, R.]: Only two words with you, Monsieur! I have brought my son to you!

  ROUSSELIN: And why have you done that?

  BEAUMESNIL: He is out in the courtyard now, playing with the dog. Will you see him? It is he of whom I spoke to you regarding his education. We hope for a little help from you.

  ROUSSELIN: I will do what I can, certainly.

  BEAUMESNIL: These children cost so much! And I have seven, Monsieur, all as strong as young Turks!

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: That's encouraging!

  BEAUMESNIL: His schoolmaster has sent me a bill for two quarters, and though it humiliates me to ask you, — still, if you could advance me the money —

  ROUSSELIN [opens drawer of the desk]: How much is it a quarter?

  BEAUMESNIL [shows a long bill]: There are some extras besides. [Rousselin gives him money] i will run home and tell the good news! Frankly, I came here on purpose to see you!

  ROUSSELIN: What! did you not come to vote? How about my election?

  BEAUMESNIL: I thought that was to come off tomorrow! I live so quietly at home, Monsieur, in my own little circle! But I will go at once and do my duty — at once, Monsieur! [Exit.LEDRU [(enters, C.]: Ah, famous! You are as good as elected!

  ROUSSELIN [joyfully]: Ah!

  LEDRU: Gruchet has withdrawn. Everyone has known it for the last two hours. He was right — it was the prudent thing for him to do. To tell the truth, I helped to spoil his chances, and you ought to recognise my friendly services by trying to obtain for me — [Shows the buttonhole of his coat]

  ROUSSELIN [speaks low]: The ribbon!

  LEDRU [loudly]: If I did not deserve it I would not ask for it, but — You appear very cold, Monsieur Rousselin!

  ROUSSELIN: But, my dear friend, how can I do this for you? I am not yet a minister!

  LEDRU: Oh, well! never mind! Only — I have behind me twenty-five men — good, lively fellows, Heurtelot at the head of them, with some of Murel's mill-hands — and they are waiting for me at the market. I told them I was coming here to make you a proposition, and they will wait until I tell them how it was received. Now, I warn you, if you don't swear that you will try to obtain for me the cross of honour —

  ROUSSELIN: Oh, very well! I will try! And I will buy a few foreign orders also for you!

  LEDRU: ALL in good time! [Exit quickly.

  SCENE IX.

  ROUSSELIN [looks out of wide window at the back of stage]: He will have just time — there are still five minutes! In five minutes the polls will close, and then! — I do not dream! It is true! A brilliant future opens before me! Oh, to take my place among distinguished men! To call myself a member of some committee; to be chosen sometimes to make a report; to talk of budgets, amendments, sub-amendments; and to take part in many affairs, all of the greatest importance! Every morning I shall* see my name printed in the journals, even in those of which I do ncft know the language!

  The theatres! the hunt! the women! Isn't all that well worth having? [Pause] But, in order to obtain it, I am compelled to give my money, my own flesh and blood — everything! Yes, I have sacrificed my daughter — my poor daughter! [Weeps] I feel the deepest remorse, and I do not even know whether Bouvigny will keep his word. One does not sign votes. [The clock strikes four] Four o'clock! It is all over! They will count the vote at once — that will not take long. How shall I pass the time until I hear the result? Some intimate friend — even if it were only Murel — ought to come here soon, to give me the first news. Oh, men! men! One may ruin himself for them without finding any gratitude! If they do not elect me — Ah, well! so much the worse for them! Where can they find another candidate like me? I should do my duty! [Stamps his foot] Oh, come! hasten, some one! They are all against me, the wretches! This is killing me! My head reels! I don't know what I am about! If this suspense keeps on, I shall smash the furniture!

  SCENE X.

  (Enter a Beggar, pretending to be blind)

  ROUSSELIN: This is not an elector! Why did
n't some one hustle him off the premises? Who allowed you to enter my doors?

  BEGGAR: The house was open, and some one told me I should find in here a man who was kind to everyone — the good Monsieur Rousselin! No one talks of anything but you, Monsieur. Give me something, — it will bring you good luck!

  ROUSSELIN [speaks to himself ]: It will bring me good luck! [Puts two fingers in his waistcoat pocket; pauses; reflects] They say that alms given in critical circumstances possess a power for bringing good fortune that no one can explain. I ought to have gone to church this morning —

  BEGGAR [whines]. Charity, if you please!

  ROUSSELIN [feels in all his pockets]: I have no more money about me.

  BEGGAR [whines]: Something, Monsieur!

  ROUSSELIN [rummages in the drawers of his desk]: No, not a sou! I have been giving away money all day long! This creature annoys me! Ah, I shall soon find that money flies!

  BEGGAR: Charity, if you please! You, who are so rich! I want bread! Ah, how weak I am! [Appears about to fall; leans against the door]

  ROUSSELIN [discouraged]: I cannot beat a blind man!

  BEGGAR: Only the least thing — and I will pray to the good God for you!

  ROUSSELIN [tears his watch from its pocket and hands it to the Beggar]: There! take that! and heaven will, without doubt, have pity on me! [Exit Beggar quickly. Rousselin looks at the clock] No one has come yet! Something bad has happened, and no one dares to tell me! I would go myself, but my legs — ah! it is too much! Everything seems to turn around! I am about to faint! [Sinks on a couch near the window]

  SCENE XI.

  ARABELLA [enters softly, and touches Rousselin on the shoulder]: Look! [Points out of the window; Rousselin leans over to follow the direction of her finger] Just below the road — in front of the schoolhouse — on the top of the hedge — do you see?

  ROUSSELIN: I see something white waving over the hedge.

  ARABELLA: The handkerchief!

  ROUSSELIN: But I do not understand — [Suddenly cries] Ah! how stupid of me! [Springs up] It is Dodart waving his handkerchief! Victory! Victory! Yes, my good Arabella, it is certain! Look! some one is running this way!

  ARABELLA [leans out of the window]: A crowd is coming through the gates — men with guns! [Gun-shots heard]

  ROUSSELIN: That is to celebrate my victory! Good! [A shot] Again! Keep it up! Pif! Paf! [Silence] Listen to that! [Steps heard running rapidly. Enter Gruchet. Rousselin rushes at him] Gruchet! What is it? Speak! Am I elected? Is it done?

  GRUCHET [looks at Rousselin from head to foot; then bursts into rude laughter ] I think there's no doubt whatever about that, Monsieur!

  (Enter a great crowd from all sides, shouting): Our deputy! Long live our deputy!

  Curtain

  LE CANDIDAT

  TABLE DES MATIÈRES

  PERSONNAGES

  ACTE UN

  ACTE DEUX

  ACTE TROIS

  ACTE QUATRE

  PERSONNAGES

  Rousselin, 56 ans

  Murel, 34 ans

  Gruchet, 60 ans

  Julien Duprat, 24 ans

  Le Comte de Bouvigny, 65 ans

  Onésime, son fils, 20 ans

  Dodart, notaire, 60 ans

  Pierre, domestique de M. Rousselin

  Mme Rousselin, 38 ans

  Louise, sa fille, 18 ans

  Miss Arabelle, institutrice, 30 ans

  Félicité, bonne de Gruchet

  Marchais

  Heurtelot

  Ledru

  Hombourg

  Voinchet

  Beaumesnil

  un garde champêtre

  le président de la réunion électorale

  un garçon de café

  un mendiant

  paysans

  ouvriers etc.

  L’action se passe en province.

  [Les mots entre crochets ont été supprimés par la Censure.]

  LE CANDIDAT

  ACTE UN

  Chez M. Rousselin. Un jardin. Pavillon à droite. Une grille occupant le côté gauche.

  Scène I : Murel, Pierre, domestique

  Pierre est debout, en train de lire un journal. - Murel, entre, tenant un gros bouquet qu’il donne à Pierre.

  MUREL : Pierre, où est donc M. Rousselin ?

  PIERRE : Dans son cabinet, monsieur Murel ; ces dames sont dans le parc avec leur Anglaise et M.Onésime... de Bouvigny !

  MUREL : Ah cette espèce de cagot [séminariste] à moitié gandin ? J’attendrai qu’il soit parti, car sa vue seule me déplaît tellement !...

  PIERRE : Et à moi donc !

  MUREL : A toi aussi ! Pourquoi ?

  PIERRE : Un gringalet ! fiérot ! pingre ! Et puis, j’ai idée qu’il vient chez nous... (Mystérieusement) C’est pour Mademoiselle.

  MUREL, à demi-voix : Louise ?

  PIERRE : Parbleu ! sans cela les Bouvigny, qui sont des nobles ne feraient pas tant de salamalecs à nos bourgeois !

  MUREL, à part : Ah ! ah ! attention. (Haut) N’oublie pas de m’avertir lorsque des messieurs, tout à l’heure, viendront pour parler à ton maître.

  PIERRE : Plusieurs ensemble ? Est-ce que ce serait... par rapport aux élections ? ... On en cause...

  MUREL : Assez ! Ecoute-moi ! Tu vas me faire le plaisir d’aller chez Heurtelot le cordonnier, et prie-le de ma part...

  PIERRE : Vous, le prier, monsieur Murel !

  MUREL : N’importe ! Dis-lui qu’il n’oublie rien !

  PIERRE : Entendu !

  MUREL : Et qu’il soit exact ! qu’il amène tout le monde !

  PIERRE : Suffit, Monsieur ! j’y cours (il sort)

  Scène II : Murel, Gruchet

  MUREL : Eh, c’est monsieur Gruchet, si je ne me trompe ?

  GRUCHET : En personne ! Pierre-Antoine pour vous servir.

  MUREL : Vous êtes devenu si rare dans la maison !

  GRUCHET : Que voulez-vous ? avec le nouveau genre des Rousselin ! Depuis qu’ils fréquentent Bouvigny, - un joli coco encore, celui-là, - ils font des embarras !...

  MUREL : Comment ?

  GRUCHET : Vous n’avez donc pas remarqué que leur domestique maintenant porte des guêtres ! Madame ne sort plus qu’avec deux chevaux, et dans les dîners qu’ils donnent - du moins, c’est Félicité, ma servante, qui me l’a dit, - on change de couvert à chaque assiette.

  MUREL : Tout cela n’empêche pas Rousselin d’être généreux, serviable !

  GRUCHET : Oh ! d’accord ! plus bête que méchant ! Et pour surcroît de ridicule, le voilà qui ambitionne la députation ! Il déclame tout seul devant son armoire à glace, et la nuit, il prononce en rêve des mots parlementaires.

  MUREL, riant : En effet !

  GRUCHET : Ah ! c’est que ce titre-là sonne bien, député ! ! ! Quand on vous annonce : “Monsieur un tel, député,” alors on s’incline ! Sur une carte de visite, après le nom, “député”, ça flatte l’oeil. Et en voyage, dans un théâtre, n’importe où, si une contestation s’élève, qu’un individu soit insolent, ou même qu’un agent de police vous pose la main sur le collet : “Vous ne savez donc pas que je suis député, Monsieur !”

  MUREL, à part : Tu ne serais pas fâché de l’être, non plus, mon bonhomme !

  GRUCHET : Avec ça, comme c’est malin ! pourvu qu’on ait une maison bien montée, quelques amis, de l’entregent !

  MUREL : Eh ! mon Dieu ! quand Rousselin serait nommé !

  GRUCHET : Un moment ! S’il se porte, ce ne peut être que candidat juste-milieu ?

  MUREL, à part : Qui sait ?

  GRUCHET : Et alors, mon cher, nous ne devons pas... Car enfin nous sommes des libéraux ; votre position, naturellement, vous donne sur les ouvriers une influence !... Oh ! vous poussez même à leur égard les bons offices très loin ! Je suis pour le peuple, moi, mais pas tant que vous ! Non... non !

  MUREL : Bref, en admettant que Rousselin se présente ?...

  GRUCHET : Je vote contre lui, c’est réglé !

  MUREL, à part : Ah ! j’ai
eu raison d’être discret ! (Haut) Mais avec de pareils sentiments, que venez-vous faire chez lui ?

  GRUCHET : C’est pour rendre service... à ce petit Julien.

  MUREL : Le rédacteur de l’Impartial ?... Vous, l’ami d’un poète ?

  GRUCHET : Nous ne sommes pas amis ! Seulement, comme je le vois de temps à autre au cercle, il m’a prié de l’introduire chez Rousselin.

  MUREL : Au lieu de s’adresser à moi, un des actionnaires du journal ! Pourquoi ?

  GRUCHET : Je l’ignore !

  MUREL, à part : Voilà qui est drôle. (Haut) Eh bien, mon cher, vous êtes mal tombé.

  GRUCHET : La raison ?

  MUREL, à part : Ce Pierre qui ne revient pas ! J’ai toujours peur... (Haut) La raison ? c’est que Rousselin déteste les bohèmes.

  GRUCHET : Celui-là, cependant...

  MUREL : Celui-là surtout ! et même depuis huit jours... (il tire sa montre)