The Learned Women

The Learned Women (Les Femmes Savantes) is by Molière, translated into English prose with short introductions and explanatory notes by Charles Heron Wall. The list of persons represented includes Chrysale, an honest bourgeois, Philaminte, wife to Chrysale, Armande and Henriette, their daughters, and Trissotin, a wit. The introduction says that the comedy of Les Femmes Savantes was acted on March 11, 1692, and that Molière acted the part of Chrysale.

One speaker asks the other whom she intends to marry, supposing that she does not aim at Clitandre, and the other answers, And why should I not? Does he lack merit? A speaker marked ARM. says that in addition to natural philosophy they will dive into grammar, history, verse, ethics, and politics, and that their regulations in respect to language will soon be known, as they mean to create a revolution. A speaker brings two letters, one for Philaminte from an attorney and one for Chrysale from Lyons, with news which has made the speaker feel grievously.