1ST PHY. That's right. It is a sign that his body is clearing. I will go and see him in two or three days; but if he dies before, mind you do not forget to give me notice, for it is not proper that a doctor should go to visit a dead man. C. WOM. (_to_ PHYSICIAN). My father, Sir, is getting worse and worse. 1ST PHY. It is no fault of mine; I send him remedies; why does he not get better? How many times has he been bled? C. WOM. Fifteen times, Sir, in twenty days. 1ST PHY. Fifteen times? C. WOM. Yes. 1ST PHY. And he does not get better? C. WOM. No, Sir. 1ST PHY. It is a sign that the seat of the malady is not in the blood. He must be purged as many times, to see if it is in the humours; and if this does not succeed, we will send him to the bath. APO. This is the _beau-idéal_ of physic. SCENE IX.--ÉRASTE, 1ST PHYSICIAN, APOTHECARY. ERA. (_to the_ PHYSICIAN). It was I, Sir, who sent to you few days ago about a relation of mine who is not quite right in his mind; and I want him to live in your house, as it would be more convenient for you to attend to him, and to prevent him from being seen by too many people. 1ST PHY. Yes, Sir, I have got everything ready; and I will take the utmost care of him. ERA. Here he is. 1ST PHY. That is most fortunate; for I have with me just now an old physician, a friend of mine, with whom I should be glad to consult concerning this disorder. SCENE X.--MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC, ÉRASTE, 1ST PHYSICIAN, APOTHECARY. ERA. (_to_ MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC). I am obliged to leave you a moment for a little affair which requires my presence; (_showing the_ PHYSICIAN) but this person, in whose hands I leave you, will do for you all he possibly can. 1ST PHY. I am bound by my profession to do so; and it is enough that you should lay this duty upon me. MR. POUR. (_aside_). It is his steward, no doubt; he must be a man of quality. 1ST PHY. (_to_ ÉRASTE). Yes, Sir; I assure you that I shall treat this gentleman methodically, and in strict accordance with the rules of our art. MR. POUR. Indeed, I do not ask for so much ceremony; and I have not come here to trouble you so. 1ST PHY. Such a duty is a pleasure to me. ERA. (_to_ 1ST PHYSICIAN). Nevertheless, here are ten pistoles beforehand, as an earnest of what I have promised you. MR. POUR. No, if you please; I won't hear of your spending anything on my account, nor do I wish you to send for anything particular for me. ERA. Ah, pray, do not trouble yourself; it is not for that you imagine. MR. POUR. I beg of you to treat me only as a friend. ERA. It is exactly what I mean to do. (_Aside to the_ PHYSICIAN) I particularly recommend you not to let him slip out of your hands, for at times he tries to escape. 1ST PHY. You need not fear. ERA. (_to_ MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC). Pray excuse the incivility I commit. MR. POUR. Don't mention it. You are really too kind. SCENE XI.--MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC, 1ST PHYSICIAN, 2ND PHYSICIAN, APOTHECARY.