1ST PHY. I am bound by my profession to do so; and it is enough that you should lay this duty upon me.
MR. POUR. (_aside_). It is his steward, no doubt; he must be a man of quality.
1ST PHY. (_to_ ÉRASTE). Yes, Sir; I assure you that I shall treat this gentleman methodically, and in strict accordance with the rules of our art.
MR. POUR. Indeed, I do not ask for so much ceremony; and I have not come here to trouble you so.
1ST PHY. Such a duty is a pleasure to me.
ERA. (_to_ 1ST PHYSICIAN). Nevertheless, here are ten pistoles beforehand, as an earnest of what I have promised you.
MR. POUR. No, if you please; I won't hear of your spending anything on my account, nor do I wish you to send for anything particular for me.
ERA. Ah, pray, do not trouble yourself; it is not for that you imagine.
MR. POUR. I beg of you to treat me only as a friend.
ERA. It is exactly what I mean to do. (_Aside to the_ PHYSICIAN) I particularly recommend you not to let him slip out of your hands, for at times he tries to escape.
ERA. (_to_ MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC). Pray excuse the incivility I commit.
MR. POUR. Don't mention it. You are really too kind.
SCENE XI.--MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC, 1ST PHYSICIAN, 2ND PHYSICIAN, APOTHECARY.
1ST PHY. It is a great honour to me to be chosen to do you a service.
1ST PHY. Here is a clever man, one of my brethren, with whom I will consult concerning the manner of our treating you.
MR. POUR. There is no need of so much ceremony, I tell you; I am easily satisfied.
1ST PHY. Bring some seats. (_Servants come in and place chairs._)
MR. POUR. (_aside_). These servants are rather dismal for a young man.
1ST PHY. Now, Sir; take a seat, Sir. (_The two_ PHYSICIANS _make_ MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC _sit between them_.)
MR. POUR. (_seated_). Your very humble servant. (_Each_ PHYSICIAN _takes one of his hands, and feels his pulse._) What are you about?
1ST PHY. So much the worse! That great craving for cold and wet is a sign of the heat and aridity that is within. Do you sleep well?
MR. POUR. Yes; when I have made a hearty supper.
MR. POUR. Of the nature of dreams. What the deuce is the meaning of this conversation?
1ST PHY. Have a little patience. We will reason upon your affair in your presence; and we will do it in the vulgar tongue, so that you may understand better.