Scene XIX The Countess, Julia, the Viscount, the Count, Mr. Bobinet, Mr. Thibaudier
Bob. Come, my Lord, show what progress you make under the good precepts that are given you. Bow to the honourable company.
Coun. (showing JULIA). Come, Count, salute this lady; bow low to the viscount; salute the councillor.
Thi. I am delighted, Madam, that you should grant me the favour of embracing his lordship. One cannot love the trunk without loving the branches.
Coun. Goodness gracious, Mr. Thibaudier, what a comparison to use!
Ju. Really, Madam, his lordship the count has perfect manners.
Visc. This is a young gentleman who is thriving well.
Ju. Who could have believed that your ladyship had so big a child.
Coun. Alas! when he was born, I was so young that I still played with dolls.
Ju. He is your brother and not your son.
Coun. Be very careful of his education, Mr. Bobinet.
Bob. I shall never, Madam, neglect anything towards the cultivation of the young plant which your goodness has entrusted to my care, and I will try to inculcate in him the seeds of all the virtues.
Coun. Mr. Bobinet, just make him recite some choice piece from what you teach him.
Bob. Will your lordship repeat your lesson of yesterday morning?
Coun. Omne viro soli quod convenit esto virile,
Omne viri….
Coun. Fie! Mr. Bobinet; what silly stuff is that you teach him?
Bob. It is Latin, Madam, and the first rule of Jean Despautère.
Coun. Truly, that Jean Despautère is an impudent fellow, and I beg you to teach my son more honest Latin than this is in future.
Bob. If you will allow him to say it all through, Madam, the gloss will explain the meaning.
Coun. There is no need; it explains itself sufficiently.