He’ll answer: ‘Pretty good, if chicken-broth invite.’
I’ll say: ‘Good! Good! And what are you allowed to drink?
Who is your doctor?’ He’ll respond, as one may think.140
Then I’ll remark: ‘With so much talent at command,
You can’t do better. Soon I hope to see you stand.
I’ve had experience of his skill; I know his worth;
With him as guide, you’ll not go wrong.’ So forth.”
Thus having got his fancied answers all by heart,
He goes to see the sick man; deftly plays his part.
On asking: “How are you?” the patient says: “Near dead.”