Phil. Surely, with your experience——
Sir P. Sir, I have no experience.
Phil. Well, with your knowledge——
Sir P. Sir, I have no knowledge. Knowledge is the monopoly of extremely young practitioners. I have been doctoring for forty years; and now, I stand here on your hearthrug, sir, a monument of triumphant ignorance.
Phil. Nonsense, Sir Peter.
Sir P. Sense, sir, sense.
Phil. Be candid and tell me frankly what is wrong with me.
Sir P. Your liver, probably.
Phil. Only my liver?
Sir P. (advances to table) Don’t speak disparagingly of your liver, sir. That eminently respectable organ has been much misunderstood. It is commonly supposed to serve certain functional purposes in the physical economy. Another fallacy! The liver was made, by a beautiful provision of nature, for the benefit of the medical profession. (sits in arm-chair, R.)