Val. There will be nothing difficult to do in this case. Gorgibus is a simpleton, a boor, who will readily believe everything you say, provided you speak to him of Hippocrates, of Galen, and that you have brass enough.
Sgan. You mean that I shall have to speak of philosophy and mathematics. Leave that to me; if he is a man as easily deceived as you say, I answer for everything. You have only to find me a doctor's gown, tell me what you expect from me, and give me my diploma, that is, my ten pistoles. (Exeunt Valère and Sganarelle.)
SCENE III.——GORGIBUS, GROS-RENÉ.
Gor. Go quickly and fetch the doctor for my daughter who is very ill; make haste!
Gr.-Re. Why the deuce do you think of giving your daughter in marriage to an old man? Don't you see that it is the longing she has for a young one that makes her ill? See the attraction there is, &c. [1]
Gor. Go quickly! I am greatly afraid that the wedding will have to be put off on account of this illness.
Gr.-Re. That is what vexes me, for I was looking forward to a good round bellyfull, and now I have to do without it.[ 2] Yes, yes, I'll go to fetch the doctor, but it is as much for my own sake as for your daughter's. I am dreadfully disappointed. (Exit Gros-René.)
SCENE IV.——SABINE, GORGIBUS, SGANARELLE (as doctor).
Sab. I am glad to meet you, uncle, to tell you of a good piece of news: I bring the cleverest doctor in the world, a man who comes from foreign lands, who knows the most important secrets, and who will no doubt cure my cousin. He was fortunately shown to me, and I bring him to you. He is so clever, that I heartily wish I were ill, so that he might cure me.
Gor. Where is he?