In this play are many dialogues between Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, and Averrhoes, who discuss medical topics at length, but these are too lengthy for reproduction in this epitomized translation. The morality of Nicole de la Chesnaye is full of good intentions, but it is questionable whether he accomplished any considerable result in reforming the morals of the Middle Ages; he perhaps fell as short in his aim as modern hygienists on the morality of our own epoch. The same instincts predominate now as in days of antiquity; the society man of to-day is generally a mere digestive tube, serving to keep alive the more or less badly served vital organs. THE FOLLY OF THE WORLD. This is a farce by the same Nicole de la Chesnaye. It was acted in 1524, and one of his chief personages in the play depicted a doctor of the period. The following is a short analysis of this really curious piece: _Grandmother Sottie_ leads to the _World_ several persons whom she desires the latter to watch while plying their avocations; the _shoemaker_ makes his boots _too tight_ always; the _dressmaker’s_ dresses are ever _too large_; the _priest’s_ masses are said _too long_ or _too short_. This bad showing on the part of the World’s workers make his mundane majesty sick. He sends a specimen of his urine to the doctor, who, after a scientific examination, declares the World’s brain is affected, and also that his new-found client must be visited in person. On meeting the World he interrogates him as to his health, and asks questions which might serve to make a diagnosis. The World tells the doctor he is no longer afraid of water on the brain, but of being consumed in a deluge of fire. The doctor then utters the following wise and rather satirical observations: “World! be not troubled in thinking of fire, Let your mind on that score be at peace. Know that each monk, and low, rascally _friar_ Sells and buys a good, fat benefice; Why, even the children, your subjects in arms, Are born to be _Abbots_, _Bishops_, and _Priors_, While church-bells keep ringing false fire alarms. But, great World, _all the clergy_ are liars! Their flattering’s truly their sweetest incense, Yet the parasites fawn for your treasures; Ah! church love for war was ever intense, And their doctrines mar all earthly pleasures.” The World is so impressed by the doctor’s remarks that he immediately weds Folly. Ever since, it is needless to remark, the World has enjoyed pleasure without as much dread of fire. It is an easy matter to seize the apologue sought by the author.