Monsieur De Pourceaugnac

Jul. No; I will not.

Oro. I shall give it you about the ears.

Era. No, no, Sir; don't use violence towards her, I pray you.

Oro. I will have her obey me, and I will show her that I am the master.

Era. Do you not see how fast in love she is with that man; and would you have me possess the body while another has the heart?

Oro. He has thrown some charm upon her. You may be sure that she will change before long. Give me your hand. Come.

Jul. No!

Oro. Ah! What, rebellion! Your hand, I tell you, at once. Ah!

Era. Do not think that it is because of my love for you that I agree to marry you; it is your father only I am in love with, and it is him whom I marry.

Oro. I am truly obliged to you, and I add ten thousand crowns to my daughter's portion. Quick; a notary to draw up the contract.

Era. In the meanwhile, let us enjoy the pleasures of the season, and fetch in those masks whom the report of Mr. de Pourceaugnac's wedding has attracted hither.

SCENE X. – A BALLET

notes

1

Pourceaugnac equals pourceau, "a young pig," plus the local ending -gnac.

2

Compare the "royal cautery" in 'The Flying Doctor'.

3

Sbrigani and Nérine are merely the conventional rogues of the stage. Compare Mascarille, Scapin.

4

Compare act ii. scene xii.

5

The Neapolitans had no great reputation for sincerity.

6

Mode de la cour pour la campagne.

7

Consul in the south equalled échevin in the north. Both words are obsolete in this sense.

8

Ma croix de par Dieu, "my Christ-cross-row," or "Criss-cross-row," in old and provincial English.

9

Translation:

The Two Physicians

Good day, good day, good day!
Yield not yourself a prey
To melancholy sway.
We'll make you laugh, I trow,
With songs harmonious, gay.
Unto us your cure is dear,
For that alone we're here.
Good day, good day, good day!

1st Physician

Nought else is madness true
Save melancholy blue.
Not lost is he,
Though sick he be,
Who sips of mirth the dew.
Nought else is madness true
Save melancholy blue.

2nd Physician

Up then! sing loud, and dance and play,
"Better still I'd do!" you say.
Delirium's nigh – if you must pine,
Take first some wine;
And sometimes, too, take your tabàc
Right joyfully, Monsu Pourceaugnac.

10

Take it, take it. Sir; it will do you no harm, &c.

11

See act i, scene iii.