is the captain of her guards, and so damnably jealous, that he will not suffer any to come near her; at which _Pluto_ is very well pleas’d, and does not mistrust him, thinking it impossible for any body to be in love with such a lump of deformity. But to return to our friend _Paul_, he scorns to copy after the Devil, who turn’d hermit when he was old; and I am now making another collection of his impieties and amours, which will be ready to come out with a _Gazette Nostradamus_ he has been composing since the year 1600. That sly conjurer is so earnest upon the matter, that he lifts not up his head, tho’ _Pluto_’s black-guard boys are continually burning brimstone under his nose. However, I do not know but this mountain may bring forth a mouse; for to speak freely, I put as little faith in those prophets, who, like sots, lose their reason in the abyss of futurity, as the honest whigs of _England_ do in the oaths and treaties of your swaggering master. As for you, brother doctor, cut, scarify, blister, and glyster, since ’tis your profession; but take this along with you, that they who do the least mischief, pass with me for the ablest men. But I would advise you not to suffer any longer those barbarous names of assassins, poisoners, closestool-mongers, factors of death, _&c._ the world gives you. I have had high words with _Moliere_ on your account, and I expect that fine rhiming fellow, _Boileau_, will give him a wipe over the nose in one of his satires. For tho’ I have made bold to talk freely with you, yet I do not mean all the world should take the same liberty. _The Answer of Mr._ FAGON, _first Physician to_ LEWIS XIV. _to_ FRANCIS RABLAIS.