Gor. We have a very fine garden, and some rooms attached to it; if you think it will do, I will send her there.
Sgan. Let us go and see the place. (Exeunt.)
SCENE VI.——THE LAWYER.
Law. I have heard that the daughter of Mr. Gorgibus is ill; I must go and inquire after her health, and offer my services, as the friend of the whole family. (Knocks.) Is Mr. Gorgibus at home? (Enter Gorgibus.) Having heard of your daughter's illness, I come to tell you of my entire sympathy, and to put myself at your disposal for all that may be wanted of me.
Gor. I have just left the cleverest man in the world.
Law. Would it not be possible to speak with him for a few moments? (Gorgibus fetches Sganarelle.)
SCENE VII.——GORGIBUS, LAWYER, SGANARELLE (as doctor).
Gor. Sir, here is a friend of mine, a very clever man, who would be glad to speak with you.
Sgan. I have no leisure, Mr. Gorgibus; I must go and see my patients. I will not presume to take your place of honour, sir.
Law. Sir, from what Mr. Gorgibus has told me of your merit and talents, I had the greatest longing in the world to be introduced to you, and I have taken the liberty of addressing you on that account. I hope you will not think it too bold. One must acknowledge that those who excel in any great science are worthy of high praise; particularly those whose calling is that of doctor, as much on account of its utility, as because it is the source of several other sciences. Hence it is a difficult one to know perfectly, and Hippocrates therefore says truly in his first treatise: Vita brevis, ars verò longa, occasio autem praeceps, experimentum periculosum, judicium, difficile.