And I—I tell you, yes!

VILLAC.

Corneille is bad!

MONTPESAT.

To treat Corneille like that—
The author of "The Cid" and of "Melite."

VILLAC.

"Melite"? Well, I will grant you that is good;
But he degenerated after that,
As they all do. I'll do the best I can
To satisfy you: talk about "Melite,"
"The Gallery of the Palace," but "The Cid!"
What is it, pray?

GASSÉ (to Montpesat).

You are conservative.

MONTPESAT.