LIBRETTO
A Drawing Room: three sofas, a table, one door
Garcin enters, accompanied by Valet

Garcin
So here we are?

Valet
Yes.

Garcin
I certainly didn't expect . . . this! You know what they tell us down there

Valet
Really, sir, how could you believe such stories? Told by people who'd never set foot here.
For, of course, if they had—

Garcin
Quite so.
Both laugh
But where are the instruments of torture? The racks and red-hot pincers and all the other
paraphernalia?

Valet
Ah, you must have your little joke, sir!

Garcin
My little joke? No, I wasn't joking.
Garcin strolls around the room
No mirrors. No windows.
Angrily
But damn it all, they might have left me my toothbrush!

Valet
That's good! You haven't yet got over your what-do-you-call-it? sense of human dignity?

Garcin
I'll ask you to be more polite. I realize the position I'm in.

Valet
Sorry, sir. No offense meant. All our guests ask the same questions. Silly questions, if you'll
pardon my saying so. Where's the torture-chamber? That's the first thing they ask, and after
abit, when they've got their nerve back, they start in about toothbrushes and what-not. Good
heavens, Mr. Garcin, what, I ask you, would be the point of brushing your teeth?

Garcin
More calmly
Yes, of course you're right.
Looks around again
And why should one want to see oneself in a mirror? Don't forget, my man, I've a good
notion of what's coming to me. I'm facing the situation, facing it.
Starts pacing the room again
No toothbrush, no bed. One never sleeps, I take it?

Valet
That's so.

Garcin
As I expected; life without a break.

Valet
What do you mean by that?

Garcin
Eyes Valet suspiciously
That's why there's something so bad-mannered, in the way you stare at me. They're paralyzed.
Your eyelids. We move ours up and down. Blinking. Everything goes black; one's eyes are
moistened. Four thousand little rests per hour. Four thousand little respites. So, no eyelids, no
sleep; I shall never sleep again. How shall I endure my own company? You see, I'm fond of
teasing and I'm used to teasing myself. Plaguing myself, if you prefer; I don't tease nicely. But
I can't go on without a break. Down there I had my nights. I slept. By way of compensation, I
suppose. Happy little dreams. There was a green field. Just an ordinary field. I used to stroll in it.
And outside? Beyond that wall.

Valet
A passage.

Garcin
And at the end of the passage?

Valet
More rooms, more passages, and stairs.

Garcin
And beyond them?

Valet
That's all.

Garcin
Where's the light-switch?

Valet
There isn't any.
Well, sir, if you don't need me any more.

Garcin
What? You're going?
Valet goes up to the door
Wait.
Valet looks round
That's a bell, isn't it?
Valet nods
And if I ring, you're bound to come?

Valet
Well, yes. But you can never be sure about that bell. There's something wrong with the wiring.

Garcin goes to the bell and presses the button
Garcin
It's working.

Valet
Looking surprised
So it is.
He, too, presses the button
But I wouldn't count on it. It's capricious.

Garcin
Goes to table and picks up a paper-knife
What's this?

Valet
Just a paper-knife.

Garcin
Ah.

Valet goes out
Garcin is by himself
He sits down; then gets up, goes to the bell and presses the button
The bell remains silent
He tries two or three times, without success, then he tries to open the door, also without success
He calls Valet several times, but gets no result
He beats the door with his fists, still calling
Suddenly he grows calm and sits down again
At the same moment the door opens and Inez enters, followed by Valet

Valet
Turning to Inez
This is your room, madam.
Inez says nothing
If there's any information you require?
Inez still keeps silent, and Valet looks slightly huffed
Most of our guests have quite a lot to ask me. As regards the toothbrush, and the bell, this
gentleman can tell you everything. We've had a little chat, him and me.

Valet goes out
Garcin refrains from looking at Inez, who is inspecting the room
Abruptly Inez turns to Garcin

Inez
Where's Florence?
Garcin does not reply
Didn't you hear? I asked you about Florence. Where is she?

Garcin
I haven't any idea.

Inez
Ah, that's the way it works, is it? Torture by separation. Well, Florence was a tiresome little fool,
I shan't miss her in the least.

Garcin
I beg your pardon. Who do you suppose I am?

Inez
You? Why, the torturer, of course.

Garcin
Looks startled, then bursts out laughing
I the torturer! So you came in, saw me, and thought I was one of the staff. I'm Joseph Garcin,
journalist and man of letters. We're both in the same boat, so to speak, might I ask you, Mrs.—?

Inez
Testily
Not "Mrs." I'm unmarried.

Garcin
Right. Well, now we've broken the ice. Do you really think I look like a torturer? And, by the way,
how does one recognize torturers when one sees them?

Inez
They look frightened.

Garcin
Frightened? Of whom? Their victims?

Inez
Laugh away, but I know what I'm talking about. I've often watched my face in the glass.

Garcin
In the glass?
Looks around him
How beastly! They've removed everything in the least like a glass. Anyhow, I assure you I'm
not frightened. I don't take my position lightly, but I'm not afraid.

Inez
Must you be here all the time, or do you take a stroll outside, now and then?

Garcin
The door's locked.

Inez
Ah! That's too bad.

Garcin
I understand that it bores you having me here. I too, I'd rather be alone, to think things out.
Only, if I may venture a suggestion, we should make a point of being courteous to each
other. That will ease the situation for us both.

Inez
I'm not polite.

Garcin
Then I must be polite for two.
Garcin is sitting on a sofa, while Inez paces up and down the room

Inez
Fixing her eyes on him
Can't you keep your mouth still? You keep twisting it about all the time. It's grotesque.

Garcin
Sorry. I wasn't aware of it.

Inez
That's just what I reproach you with.
Garcin's mouth twitches
You talk about politeness, and don't even try to control your face. Remember you're not alone;
you've no right to inflict the sight of your fear on me.

Garcin
Getting up and going towards Inez
Aren't you afraid?

Inez
What would be the use? There was some point in being afraid before; one still had hope.

Garcin
It's still "before." We haven't yet begun to suffer.

Inez
True. Well? What's going to happen?

Garcin
I don't know. I'm waiting.

Garcin sits down and Inez resumes her pacing up and down the room
Garcin’s mouth twitches; after a glance at Inez he buries his face in his hands
Enter Estelle with Valet
Estelle looks at Garcin whose face is still hidden by his hands.

Estelle
To Garcin
No. Don't look up. I know what you're hands are hiding. I know you've no face left.
Garcin removes his hands from his face
What!
Surprised
But I don't know you! I thought someone was playing a nasty trick on me.
To Valet
Is anyone else coming?

Valet
No, madam. No one else.

Estelle
Then we're to stay by ourselves, this gentleman, this lady, and myself.
Takes off her coat and drops it on the sofa
Well, as we're to live together, I suppose we'd better introduce ourselves. My name's Rigault.
Estelle Rigault.

Garcin bows and is going to announce his name, but Inez steps in front of him

Inez
I'm Inez Serrano. Very pleased to meet you.

Garcin
Bowing again
Joseph Garcin.

Valet
Do you require me any longer?

Estelle
No, you can go. I'll ring when I want you.

Exit Valet, with polite bows to everyone

Inez
You're very pretty. I wish we'd had some flowers to welcome you with.

Estelle
Flowers? Yes, I loved flowers. Only they'd fade so quickly here, wouldn't they? It's so stuffy. Oh,
well, the great thing is to keep as cheerful as we can, don't you agree? Of course, you, too, are—

Inez
Yes. Last week. What about you?

Estelle
I'm quite recent. Yesterday. In fact, the ceremony's not quite over.
She seems to be seeing what she describes
The wind's blowing my sister's veil all over the place. She's trying her best to cry. Come, dear!
Make an effort. That's better. Two tears, two little tears twinkling under her black veil. Oh dear!
What a sight Olga looks this morning! She's not crying, and I don't blame her, tears always mess
one's face up, don't they? Olga was my bosom friend, you know.

Inez
Did you suffer much?

Estelle
No. I was only half conscious.

Inez
What was it?

Estelle
Pneumonia.
Again as if seeing the events she describes
It's over, they're leaving the cemetery. Goodbye. Goodbye. Quite a crowd.
To Inez
How about you?

Inez
The gas stove.

Estelle
And you, Mr. Garcin?

Garcin
Twelve bullets through my chest.
Estelle makes a horrified gesture
Sorry! I fear I'm not good company among the dead.

Estelle
Please, please don't use that word. It's so crude. If we've absolutely got to mention this—this
state of things, Let’s call ourselves—wait!—absentees. Have you been—absent for long?

Garcin
About a month.

Estelle
Have you anyone left down there?

Garcin
My wife.
He seems to be seeing what he describes
She's waiting at the barracks entrance. She comes there every day, wearing her black dress. She
isn't crying, but she never did cry, anyway. It's a bright, sunny day and she's like a black shadow
creeping down the empty street. Those big tragic eyes with that martyred look they always had.
Oh, how she got on my nerves! How hot it is here! Do you mind if.—?
He begins taking off his coat

Estelle
No, please don't. I loathe men in their shirt-sleeves.

Garcin
Putting on his coat again
All right.
Of course, I used to spend my nights in the newspaper office; a regular Black Hole. We never kept
our coats on. Stiflingly hot it could be.
Again, as if seeing the events he describes
Stifling, it is. It's night now.

Estelle
Yes. Olga's undressing; it must be after midnight. How quickly the time passes, on earth!

Garcin
They've strung their coats on the backs of the chairs and rolled up their shirt-sleeves.
The airstinks of men and cigar-smoke.
I used to like living among men in their shirt-sleeves.

Estelle
Aggressively
Well, our tastes differ.
Turning to Inez
What about you? Do you like men in shirt-sleeves?

Inez
Oh, I don't care much for men any way.

Estelle
Looking at the other two with a puzzled air
Really I can't imagine why they put us all together. It's so absurd. I expected to meet old
friends, relatives.

Inez
Yes, a charming old friend with a hole in the middle of his face.

Estelle
Him too. He danced so divinely. Why should we of all people be put together?

Garcin
Pure fluke. They lodge folks in the order of their coming.

Estelle
Hesitantly
Don't you think we may have met each other at some time in our lives? Perhaps we have
friends in common. I wonder if you know the Dubois-Seymours?

Inez
Not likely.

Estelle
But everyone went to their parties.

Inez
Not me. I was a post-office clerk.

Estelle
Recoiling a little
Ah, yes—Of course, in that case—And you, Mr. Garcin?

Garcin
We never met. I always lived in Rio.

Estelle
You must be right, then, it's chance that has brought us together.

Inez
Chance? They've thought it all out. Nothing was left to chance. This room was set for us.

Estelle
But really! Everything here's so hideous; all angles, and so uncomfortable. I always loathed
angles.

Inez
What's more they've put us together deliberately.

Garcin
Turning abruptly towards Inez
Why? You may as well come out with it.

Inez
Surprised
But I know nothing. I'm as much in the dark as you.

Garcin
We've got to know.
Ponders for a while

Inez
If each of us had the guts to tell. Estelle!

Estelle
Yes?

Inez
What have you done? I mean, why have they sent you here?

Estelle
That's just it. I haven't a notion. In fact, I wonder if there's been a ghastly mistake. Just think
of the number of people who become absentees every day. There must be thousands and
thousands, probably they're sorted out by stupid employees. They're bound to make mistakes
sometimes

Inez
Is that all you have to tell me?

Estelle
What else should I tell? I've nothing to hide. I lost my parents when I was a child, and had my
young brother to bring up. We were terribly poor and when an old friend of my people asked me
to marry him I said yes. He was very well off, and quite nice, so really that was the right
thing, don't you agree? My husband was old enough to be my father, but for six years we had
a happy married life. Then two years ago I met the man I was fated to love. He asked me to
run away with him, I refused. Then I got pneumonia and it finished me. That's the whole story.
No doubt, by certain standards, I did wrong to sacrifice my youth to a man nearly three times
my age.
To Garcin
Do you think that could be called a sin?

Garcin
Certainly not.
And now, tell me, do you think it's a crime to stand by one's principles? I ran a pacifist
newspaper. War broke out. What was I to do? Everyone was watching me, wondering: "Will
he dare?" Well, I dared. I folded my arms and they shot me. Had I done anything wrong?

Estelle
Laying her hand on his arm
Wrong? On the contrary. You were—

Inez
Breaking in ironically . . .
a hero! And how about your wife, Mr. Garcin?

Garcin
I'd rescued her from the gutter.

Estelle
To Inez
You see! You see!

Inez
Yes, I see.
What's the point of play-acting? We're all tarred with the same brush.

Estelle
Indignantly
How dare you!

Inez
We're criminals, murderers, all three. We're in hell, my pets; People aren't damned for nothing.

Estelle
Stop! For heaven's sake—

Inez
We've had our hour of pleasure, haven't we? People burned their lives out for our sakes and we
chuckled over it. So now we have to pay the reckoning.

Garcin
Raising his fist
Will you keep your mouth shut, damn it!

Inez
Ah, now I see why they've put us together. No one else will come. It's an economy of
man-power, or devil-power. Each of us will act as torturer of the other two.

They digest this information

Garcin
Gently
No, never. I wish neither of you harm. The solution's easy; each of us stays put in the corner
and takes no notice of the others. You here, you here, and I there. We mustn't speak. Not one
word. I could stay ten thousand years with only my thoughts for company.

Estelle
Have I got to keep silent, too?

Garcin
Yes. And that way we'll work out our salvation. Looking into ourselves. Agreed?

Inez
Agreed.

Estelle
After some hesitation
I agree.

Garcin
Then—goodbye.
Garcin goes to the sofa and buries his head in his hands

Inez begins singing to herself
Inez
What a crowd in Whitefriars Lane!
They've set trestles in a row,
With a scaffold and a knife,
And a pail of bran below,

The headsman rose at crack of dawn,
He'd a long day's work in hand,
Chopping heads off generals.
Priests and peers and admirals,
All the highest in the land,

See them standing in a line,
Ladies all dressed up so fine.
But their heads have got to go,
Heads and hats roll down below.
Come, good folks, to Whitefriars Lane,
Come to see the merry show!

Meanwhile Estelle has been plying her powder-puff and lipstick
She looks round for a mirror, fumbles in her bag, then turns towards Garcin
Estelle
Excuse me, have you a glass?
Garcin remains silent
Even if you won't speak to me, you might lend me a glass.
His head still buried in his hands, Garcin ignores her

Inez
Eagerly
I've one in my bag.
Opens her bag
Angrily
It's gone! They must have taken it at the entrance.

Estelle
How tiresome!
Estelle shuts her eyes and sways, as if about to faint
Inez runs forward and holds her up.

Inez
What's the matter?

Estelle
Opens her eyes and smiles
I feel so odd.
Pats herself
Don't you ever get taken that way? When I can't see myself I wonder if I really exist. I pat
myself but it doesn't help much. Oh dear! My lipstick! I'm sure I've put it on all crooked. No,
I can't do without a looking-glass for ever and ever. I simply can't.

Inez
Suppose I try to be your glass? Come and pay me a visit, dear.

Estelle
But we're going to hurt each other. You said it yourself.

Inez
Do I look as if I wanted to hurt you? Much more likely you'll hurt me. Still, if I've got to suffer,
it may as well be at your pretty hands. Sit down. Come closer. Closer. Look into my eyes. What
do you see?

Estelle
Oh, I'm there! But so tiny I can't see myself properly.

Inez
But I can. Every inch of you. Now ask questions. I'll be as candid as any looking-glass.

Estelle seems rather embarrassed and turns to Garcin, as if appealing to him for help

Estelle
Please, Mr. Garcin. Sure our chatter isn't boring you?

Garcin makes no reply.

Inez
He doesn't count. We're by ourselves. Ask away.

Estelle
Are my lips all right?

Inez
A bit smudgy.

Estelle
I thought as much. Luckily
Throws a quick glance at Garcin
no one's seen me. I'll try again.

Inez
That's better. No. Follow the line of your lips. There. Quite good.

Estelle
As good as when I came in?

Inez
Better. Crueler. Your mouth looks quite diabolical. You're lovely, Estelle. Look at me. Now smile.
Am I not nicer than your glass?
The women gaze at each other, Estelle with a sort of fearful fascination
I want you to call me Inez. We must be great friends.

Estelle
I don't make friends with women very easily.

Inez
Hullo, what's that nasty red spot? A pimple?

Estelle
A pimple? How foul!

Inez
There isn't any pimple, not a trace of one. But suppose the mirror started telling lies? Suppose
I covered my eyes and refused to look at you, all that loveliness wasted. No, I can't help looking.
And I'll be nice to you, ever so nice. Only you must be nice to me.

Estelle
Are you really attracted to me?

Inez
Very much.

Estelle
I wish he'd notice me too.

Inez
Of course! Because he's a Man!
To Garcin
You've won.
Garcin says nothing
Look at her, damn it!
Still no reply from Garcin
Don't pretend. You haven't missed a word.

Garcin
Quite so; not a word. I stuck my fingers in my ears, but your voices thudded in my brain.
Will you leave me in peace,?

Estelle
It's her fault; she started. She came and offered me her—her glass.

Inez
But all the time you were making up to him, trying to catch his attention.

Garcin
Both of you, for pity's sake, keep your mouths shut.
Let's sit down again, and try to forget the others are here.
Garcin sits down

The women return hesitantly to their places
Suddenly Inez swings round on Garcin

Inez
Forget? I feel you in every pore. Your silence clamors in my ears. You can nail up your mouth,
cut your tongue out but you can't prevent your being there. Your thoughts tick away like a clock,
tick-tock, tick-tock, and even if I didn't see her I'd feel it in my bones, that she's making every
sound for your benefit. I prefer to choose my hell; I prefer to look you in the eyes and fight it
out face to face.

Garcin
We were bound to come to this; they knew what they were about. If they'd put me in a room
with men; men can keep their mouths shut. But it's no use wanting the impossible.
Goes to Estelle and lightly fondles her neck
So I attract you, little girl?

Estelle
Don't touch me.

Garcin
Why not? Do you know, I used to be mad about women? And some were fond of me.

Estelle
Let me be!

Garcin
I asked so little, nothing but a little silence. I'd put my fingers in my ears. Gomez was spouting
away. I tried to hear, but things on earth move so quickly. Now he's stopped. Well, we've got to
see it through somehow. I want to know who I have to deal with.

Inez
You know already. There's nothing more to learn.

Garcin
No. So long as each of us hasn't told why they've been damned, we know nothing.
You, begin. Why? Tell us why. It may save us. Out with it! Why?

Estelle
I tell you I haven't a notion. They wouldn't tell me why.

Garcin
They wouldn't tell me, either. But I've a pretty good idea. Perhaps you're shy of speaking first?
Right. I'll lead off. I'm not a very estimable person.

Inez
We know you were a deserter.

Garcin
A side-issue. I'm here because I treated my wife abominably. That's all. There she is: the
moment I mention her, I see her. There! They've given her back my things; she's sitting by
the window, my coat on her knees. The coat with the bullet-holes. Now, can't you shed a tear,
my love! Surely you'll squeeze one out at last? Night after night I came home blind drunk,
stinking of wine and women. She never uttered a word of reproach. Only her eyes spoke.
Big, tragic eyes. I don't regret anything. I must pay the price, but I shan't whine. Won't you
cry, confound you? That woman was a born martyr; a victim by vocation. A word was enough
to make her flinch. But never a reproach. I'm fond of teasing. I watched and waited. But not a
tear, not a protest. She's stroking the coat. Her eyes are shut and she's feeling for the bullet-
holes. I tell you I regret nothing. I suppose all this strikes you as very vague. Well, here's
something you can get your teeth into. I brought a young girl to stay in our house. My wife
slept upstairs; she must have heard everything. She was an early riser and, as I and the girl
stayed in bed late, she served us our morning coffee.

Inez
You brute!

Garcin
Yes, a brute.
A far-away look comes to his eyes
No, it's nothing. Only Gomez, and he's not talking about me. What were you saying? Yes, a
brute. Certainly. Else why would I be here?
Your turn.

Inez
I was what people called "a damned bitch." Damned already. There was that affair with Florence.
A dead men's tale. Three corpses. He to start with; then she and I. There's no one left. Only that
room. I see it now. Empty, with the doors locked. No, they've just unlocked them. "To Let.";
there's a notice on the door. That's too ridiculous.

Garcin
Did he kill himself?

Inez
No, he hadn't the guts. He'd every reason; we led him a dog's life. Run over by a tram. A silly
sort of end. I was living with them; he was my cousin. You know, I don't regret a thing. I got
sick of him. Gradually. Little things got on my nerves. He made a noise when he was drinking,
a sort of gurgle. Pathetic really. Vulnerable. I crept inside her skin, she saw the world through
my eyes. When she left him we shared a room at the other end of town.Then that tram did
its job. I'd remind her every day: "Yes, my pet, we killed him between us." I'm rather cruel,
really. I can't get on without making people suffer. Like a live coal in others' hearts. When I'm
alone I flicker out. For six months I flamed away in her heart, till there was nothing but a cinder.
One night she got up and turned on the gas while I was asleep. Then she crept back into bed.
So now you know.

Garcin
Well! Well! Not a pretty story

Inez
Obviously.

Garcin
To Estelle
Your turn.

Estelle
I told you, I haven't a notion. I rack my brain, but it's no use.

Garcin
We'll give you a hand. That fellow with the smashed face, who was he?

Estelle
Him! A friend.

Inez
Did he shoot himself on your account?

Estelle
Of course not. How absurd you are!

Garcin
He blew his brains out, didn't he? That's how his face got smashed.

Estelle
Don't! Please don't go on.

Garcin
Because of you.
Because of you.

Inez
He shot himself because of you.

Estelle
Leave me alone! It's not fair, bullying me like this. I want to go! I want to go!
Runs to the door and shakes it

Garcin
Unfortunately the door's locked.

Estelle presses the bell but it does not ring
Inez and Garcin laugh
Estelle swings round on them, her back to the door

Estelle
You're hateful, both of you.

Inez
Hateful? Yes, that's the word. Now get on with it. That fellow; you were his mistress?

Garcin
Of course she was. And he wanted to have her to himself alone. That's so, isn't it?

Inez
He was poor as a church mouse, that's right, isn't it?

Garcin
And you had your reputation to keep up. He implored you to run away with him, and you
laughed in his face.

Inez
That's it. You laughed at him. And he killed himself.

Estelle
Bursts out laughing
You've got it all wrong.
He wanted me to have a baby. So there!

Garcin
And you didn't want one?

Estelle
I certainly didn't.
But the baby came, worse luck. I went to Switzerland for five months. No one knew anything.
It was a girl. Roger was with me when she was born. It pleased him no end, having a daughter.
It didn't please me! There was a balcony overlooking the lake. I brought a big stone. He
could see what I was up to and he kept on shouting: "Estelle, for God's sake, don't!" I hated
him then. He saw it all. He was leaning over the balcony and he saw the rings spreading on the
water. That's all. I came back to Paris, and he did as he wished. Absurd of him, really, my
husband never suspected anything.
Oh, how I loathe you!
Sobs tearlessly

Inez
Taking Estelle in her arms
Poor child!

Garcin
How hot it is!
Unthinkingly takes off his coat
Oh, sorry!
Starts putting it on again

Estelle
Don't bother. You can stay in your shirt-sleeves. As things are—

Garcin
Just so.
Drops his coat on the sofa
You mustn't be angry with me, Estelle.

Estelle
I'm not.

Inez
Are you angry with me?

Estelle
Yes.

Inez
To Garcin
Well, now you have us in the nude. Do you understand things better?

Garcin
Perhaps.
Now I suppose we start trying to help each other.

Inez
I don't need help.

Garcin
Inez, they've laid the snare cunningly, like a cobweb. If you make a movement, raise your hand
to fan yourself, Estelle and I feel a little tug. We're linked together inextricably. Hullo? What's
happening?

Inez
They've let it. The windows are wide open, a man is sitting on my bed! They've let it! Step in
make yourself at home! There's a woman, too. She's putting her hands on his shoulders.
Damn it, why don't they turn the lights on? It's getting dark. Now he's going to kiss her.
But that's my room, my room! Pitch-dark now. I can't see a thing, but I hear them whispering,
whispering. Is he going to make love to her on my bed? What's that she said? It's noon and the
sun is shining? I must be going blind. Blacked out. I can't see or hear anything. So I'm done with
the earth, it seems. I feel empty, desiccated, really dead at last. All of me's here, in this room.
What were you saying? Something about helping me, wasn't it?

Garcin
Yes, and in return you can help me. It needs only a little spark of human feeling.

Inez
Human feeling. That's beyond my range. It's no use. I'm dried up. How could I help you? A dead
twig, ready for burning.
Falls silent, gazing at Estelle, who has buried her head in her hands

Garcin
You realize this young woman's fated to be your torturer? They'll get you through her. It's a trap.

Inez
I know what's coming. I'm going to burn, and it's to last forever. Do you think I'll let go? I'll
catch her, she'll see you through my eyes. But, if you'll leave us in peace, I'll see I don't do
you any harm.

Garcin
Gazes at Inez for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders
Very well.

Estelle
Raising her head.
Please, Garcin. You can help me. I implore you. I don't want to be left alone. Olga's taken him
to a cabaret.

Inez
Taken who?

Estelle
Peter. Now they're dancing together.

Inez
Who's Peter?

Estelle
Such a silly boy. He called me his glancing stream, just fancy! He was terribly in love with me.

Inez
Do you love him?

Estelle
They're sitting down now. She's puffing like a grampus. What a fool the girl is to insist on
dancing! Look! She's pressing her great fat chest against him, puffing and blowing. Peter, dear,
fix your thoughts on me. All the time you're thinking "my glancing stream, my crystal girl," I'm
only half wicked, half of me is there with you, clean and bright and crystal-clear. Just look at her
face, scarlet, like a tomato. All right, dance away, dance away. Garcin, I wish you could see her,
you'd die of laughing. I see you, Olga, you do look like a dope, my dear. Now you're treading on
his toes. Hurry up! Quicker! Quicker! He's dragging her along. He always said he loved to dance
with me.
She is dancing as she speaks
What's that you said, Olga? "Our poor dear Estelle"? How dare she discuss me with Peter?
Now then, keep time. She never could dance and talk at once. What's that? No, no. Please
don't tell him.
She has stopped dancing
All right. Isn't it foul, Garcin? She's told him everything; Roger, my trip to Switzerland, the baby.
Keep him then. I won't haggle with you over his long eyelashes, his pretty girlish face. They're
yours. His glancing stream, his crystal. Well, the crystal's shattered. "Poor Estelle!" Dance, dance,
dance. But do keep time. One, two. One, two. How I'd love to go down to earth for just a moment,
and dance with him again.
She dances again for some moments
The music's growing fainter. They've turned down the lights. Why are they playing so softly?
Louder, please. I can't hear. It's so far away, I can't hear a sound.
She stops dancing
All over. The end. The earth has left me.
To Garcin
Don't turn from me please. Take me in your arms. Everyone says I've lovely hair. You have to
look at something. Surely I'm better to look at than a lot of stupid furniture. Gather me up, dear,
fold me to your heart. You'll see how nice I can be.

Garcin
Pointing to Inez
It's to her you should say that.

Estelle
But she doesn't count, she's a woman.

Inez
Estelle! My glancing stream! My crystal!

Estelle
Your crystal? Grotesque! Do you think you can fool me? Everyone knows what I did to my baby.

Inez
Come to me, Estelle. You shall be whatever you like: a glancing stream, a muddy stream. And
deep down in my eyes you'll see yourself just as you want to be.

Estelle
Leave me alone. Damn it, isn't there anything I can do to get rid of you? I know!
Spits in Inez's face

Inez
Garcin, you shall pay for this.

Garcin shrugs his shoulders and goes to Estelle
Garcin
So it's a man you need?

Estelle
Not any man. You.

Garcin
Any man would do. Right!
Grips Estelle's shoulders
Mind, I'm not your sort at all

Estelle
Perhaps I shall change you.

Garcin
I doubt it.

Estelle
I'll sit on your sofa and wait for you to take notice of me.

Inez
With a shrill laugh
That's right, fawn on him, like the silly bitch you are. Grovel and cringe!

Estelle
To Garcin
Don't listen to her. She's nothing.

Garcin
I shan't love you; I know you too well.

Estelle
Do you want me, anyhow?

Garcin
Yes.
Bends over Estelle

Inez
Are you crazy? You're not alone. I'm here too.

Garcin
Of course. But what does it matter?

Inez
Under my eyes? You couldn't do it.

Estelle
Why not?

Inez
Very well. But I'm here, watching. I won't take my eyes off you, Garcin, you'll feel them boring
into you. Make love and get it over. We're in hell; my turn will come.

During the next scene Inez watches Estelle and Garcin without speaking.

Garcin
To Estelle and grasping her shoulders.
Now then. Your lips. Give me your lips.
Bends to kiss Estelle, then abruptly straightens up

Estelle
Indignantly
Really!

Garcin
It's Gomez; back in the press-room. They've shut the windows; it must be winter. Six months
since I— Ah, this time he's talking about me. Nothing. Nothing worth repeating.
Listens attentively. He turns to Estelle.
Are you going to love me?

Estelle
Smiling
I wonder now!

Garcin
Will you trust me?

Estelle
I'm giving you my mouth, my arms, my body. My trust! I haven't any to give.

Garcin
They shot me.

Estelle
I know. You refused to fight.

Garcin
I didn't exactly refuse. I wasn’t going to be silenced. So, I took the train. They caught me at the
frontier; Mexico. Estelle, am I a coward? I made a stand. I pried into my heart. But always—the
one certain thing; I'd taken that train. There they are, slumped in their chairs, bored, half-asleep,
thinking: “Garcin was a coward," those dear friends of mine. A thousand proclaim I'm a coward;
but if one says that I'm brave and decent, that would save me. Will you have that faith in me?

Estelle
Laughing
Oh, you silly man, do you think I could love a coward?

Garcin
But you said—

Estelle
I was teasing. I like men, my dear, who're real men, with tough skin and strong hands. You
haven't a coward's mouth, or a coward's voice. And it's for your mouth, your hair, your voice, I
love you.

Inez
She doesn't mean a word. How can you be such a simpleton? "Estelle, am I a coward?" As if she
cared either way. She wants a man; a man's arm round her waist, a man's smell, a man's eyes
glowing with desire. That's all she wants.

Garcin
Is it true?

Estelle
What do you expect?
Stamps her foot
I'd love you even if you were a coward. Isn't that enough?

Garcin
To the two women
You disgust me, both of you.
Goes toward the door.
I'm going.
Presses the bell
The bell does not ring
He drums on the door
Estelle runs to him, he pushes her away
Go away. You're even fouler than she, soft and slimy.
Bangs on the door again
Like an octopus.

Estelle
Don't leave me. I daren't be left alone with Inez now.

Garcin
Continuing to drum on the door
Look after yourself.

Inez
To Estelle
Satisfied? You spat in my face, playing up to him.
But he's going.

Estelle
If that door opens, I'm going too. As far from you as I can.

Garcin
Open the door! Open! Anything is better than this.
Grips the doorknob and rattles it
The door flies open with a jerk, and he just avoids falling
Ah!

Inez
Well? What are you waiting for?
Garcin makes no move
And you?
Estelle does not move
Inez bursts out laughing
Which of us will leave? It's a scream!
We're inseparables!

Estelle springs at Inez from behind.
Estelle
Inseperables?
To Garcin
Quickly. Push her out and slam the door.

Inez
Struggling with Estelle
I won't go, I won't go! Not into the passage.

Garcin
Let go. It's because of her I'm staying.

Estelle releases Inez and stares dumbfoundedly at Garcin

Inez
Because of me?

Garcin goes to the door and shuts it
Garcin
You know what wickedness is, and shame, and fear. It’s you I have to convince. Did you suppose
I meant to leave you here, gloating over my defeat? I can’t hear them. They’re through with me.
Nothing of me is left on earth. We’re alone. Only you two remain to give a thought to me. She
doesn't count. It's you who matter, you who hate me. If you’ll have faith in me I'm saved. Can
one be a coward when one's courted danger at every turn? Can a life be judged by a single action?

Inez
You dreamt you were a hero. Then up against real danger you took the train to Mexico.

Garcin
A man is what he wills himself to be.

Inez
It's what one does, nothing else, that shows what you're made of.

Garcin
I died too soon.

Inez
We always die too soon or too late. Our lives are complete at that moment. You are your life,
nothing else.

Garcin
What a poisonous woman you are! An answer for everything.

Inez
Now then! It shouldn't be so hard, convincing me. Rake up some arguments. You're a coward
because I wish it! I wish it, do you hear?

Estelle
To Garcin
Revenge yourself. Kiss me, darling, then you'll hear her squeal.

Garcin
To Inez
I'm at your mercy, but you're at mine as well.
Bends over Estelle
Inez gives a little cry

Estelle
Squeal away, Inez. Hug me tight, darling; tighter still. Press your lips to my mouth. Oh, I'm
yours, yours, yours.

Inez
Well, do as you're told. Coward Garcin holding baby-killer Estelle in his manly arms! Will coward
Garcin kiss, or won't he dare? I'm watching you, everybody's watching. What do you hope to get
from her silly lips? Forgetfulness? I shan't forget you! It's I you must convince. Come to me.
Come along. Look how obedient he is, like a well-trained dog.

Garcin
Will night never come?

Inez
Never.

Garcin
You will always see me?

Inez
Always.

Garcin
So this is hell. All we were told about the torture-chambers, the fire and brimstone. There's no
need. Hell is other people!

Estelle
Darling! Please—

Garcin
Thrusting Estelle away.
I can't; she’s between us, watching.

Estelle
Then I'll stop her.
Picks up the paper-knife from the table, rushes at Inez and stabs her several times

Inez
Struggling and laughing
You crazy creature, what are you doing? You know I'm dead.

Estelle
Dead.
Drops the knife

Inez picks up the knife and jabs herself with it regretfully
Inez
Dead! Dead! Dead! Knives, poison; useless. It has happened already, do you understand?
Once and for all. Here we are, forever.
Laughs

Estelle
With a peal of laughter
Forever. My God, how funny! Forever.

Garcin
Looks at the two women, and joins in the laughter
For ever, and ever, and ever.

They slump onto their respective sofas
Their laughter dies away and they gaze at each other

Garcin
Well, well, let's get on with it.

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) trans. Stuart Gilbert, adapted by Andy Vores