[Exeunt FIREB., LAW, and PHYS.
Fust. Thus ends the first act, sir.
Sneer. This tragedy of yours, Mr Fustian, I observe to be emblematical; do you think it will be understood by the audience?
Fust. Sir, I cannot answer for the audience; though I think the panegyrick intended by it is very plain and very seasonable.
Sneer. What panegyrick?
Fust. On our clergy, sir, at least the best of them, to shew the difference between a heathen and a Christian priest. And, as I have touched only on generals, I hope I shall not be thought to bring anything improper on the stage, which I would carefully avoid.
Sneer. But is not your satire on law and physick somewhat too general?
Fust. What is said here cannot hurt either an honest lawyer or a good physician; and such may be, nay, I know such are: if the opposites to these are the most general I cannot help that; as for the professors themselves, I have no great reason to be their friend, for they once joined in a particular conspiracy against me.
Sneer. Ah, how so?
Fust. Why, an apothecary brought me in a long bill, and a lawyer made me pay it.