Géronte. Really. (Sganarelle takes a stick and thrashes Géronte.) Oh! Oh! Oh!

Sganarelle. Now you are a physician, I have never taken any other degree.

Géronte (to Valère). What a devil of a fellow you have brought me here!

Valère. Did I not tell you that he was a funny sort of a physician?

Géronte. Yes; but I shall send him about his business with his fun.

Lucas. Do not take any notice of it, Sir. It is only his joking.

Géronte. The joking does not suit me.

Sganarelle. Sir; I beg your pardon for the liberty I have taken.

Géronte. I am your humble servant, Sir.

Sganarelle. I am sorry …

Géronte. It is nothing.

Sganarelle. For the cudgelling I …

Géronte. There is no harm done.

Sganarelle. Which I have had the honour to give you.

Géronte. Do not say any more about it, Sir. I have a daughter who is suffering from a strange complaint.

Sganarelle. I am delighted, Sir, that your daughter has need of my skill; and I wish, with all my heart, that you stood in the same need of it, you and all your family, in order to show you my wish to serve you.

Géronte. I am obliged to you for these kind feelings.

Sganarelle. I assure you that I am speaking from my very heart.

Géronte. You really do me too much honour.

Sganarelle. What is your daughter’s name?

Géronte. Lucinde.

Sganarelle. Lucinde! Ah! a pretty name to physic! Lucinde!

Géronte. I will just see what she is doing.

Sganarelle. Who is that tall woman?

Géronte. She is my baby’s nurse.

Scene IV.—Sganarelle, Jacqueline, Lucas.

Sganarelle (aside). The deuce! that is a fine piece of household furniture. (Aloud). Ah, nurse! Charming nurse! my physic is the very humble slave of your nurseship, and I should like to be the fortunate little nursling to suck the milk of your good graces.