Sgan. (to Gorgibus). Ficile tantina pota baril cambustibus.
Law. You are not one of those doctors who only study the medicine called rational or dogmatic, and I believe that you practise it every day with great success,——experientia magistra rerum. The first men who practised medicine were held in such consideration because of that wonderful science, that they were numbered among the gods on account of the marvellous cures they performed every day. Not that any one should despise a doctor who has not given back health to his patient, since health does not altogether depend on his remedies or his knowledge: interdum docta plus valet arte malum. Sir, I am afraid I am importunate; I must leave you, with the hope that next time we meet I shall have the honour of conversing with you at greater length. Your time is precious. (Exit Lawyer.)
Gor. What do you think of that man?
Sgan. He has some trifling knowledge of things. Had he stopped a moment longer I would have made him converse upon a lofty and sublime subject. But now I must leave you (Gorgibus offers him money). Ha! what are you about?
Gor. I know that I am indebted to you.
Sgan. You are laughing, Mr. Gorgibus! I never take any money, I am not a mercenary man (takes the money). Your very humble servant.
(Exit Sganarelle; Gorgibus goes into his own house.)
SCENE VIII.——VALÈRE (alone).
I wonder what Sganarelle has done; I have no news from him; I wish I knew where to meet him (Sganarelle returns in his usual dress). Ah! here he is. Well! Sganarelle, and what have you done since I saw you?