Scene X Mr. de Pourceaugnac, Éraste, 1st Physician, Apothecary
Era. (to Mr. De Pourceaugnac). I am obliged to leave you a moment for a little affair which requires my presence; (showing the Physician) but this person, in whose hands I leave you, will do for you all he possibly can.
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.
1st Phy. You need not fear.
Era. (to Mr. De Pourceaugnac). Pray excuse the incivility I commit.
Mr. Pour. Don’t mention it. You are really too kind.