Scene IX Mr. Jourdain, Master Tailor, Assistant Tailors (Dancing), a Servant
TAIL. Put this gentleman’s suit on as you put on those of people of quality.
(The four tailors, dancing, come near MR. JOURDAIN; two of them pull off the breeches he has had on for his exercises; two others take off his waistcoat; then, still dancing, they dress him in his new suit. MR. JOURDAIN walks round in the midst of them, and shows them his clothes for them to see whether they fit him.)
TAILS. My noble gentleman, give something, if you please, to the tailors to drink your health with.
MR. JOUR. How do you call me?
TAILS. My noble gentleman.
MR. JOUR. See what it is to be dressed like a person of quality! Go about all your life dressed like a citizen, and nobody will ever call you a “noble gentleman.” (Giving some money.) This is for “My noble gentleman.”
TAILS. We are greatly obliged to you, my lord.
MR. JOUR. Oh! oh! Wait a minute, my friends. “My lord” deserves something; it is no small thing to be “My lord.” Here is what his lordship gives you.
TAILS. My lord, we shall go and drink your grace’s health.
MR. JOUR. “Your grace!” Oh! oh! oh! Stay, don’t go yet. “Your grace” to me! (Aside) Upon my word, if he goes as far as highness, he will have the whole purse. (Aloud) Take this for “Your grace.”
TAILS. My lord, we most humbly thank you for your liberality.
MR. JOUR. He did well to stop. I should have given him all.
Second entry of the BALLET.
The FOUR ASSISTANTS rejoice, dancing, at the generosity of MR. JOURDAIN.