Monsieur De Pourceaugnac

8

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

9

Translation:

The Two PhysiciansGood day, good day, good day!Yield not yourself a preyTo 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 PhysicianNought else is madness trueSave melancholy blue.Not lost is he,Though sick he be,Who sips of mirth the dew.Nought else is madness trueSave melancholy blue.2nd PhysicianUp 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 tabàcRight joyfully, Monsu Pourceaugnac.

10

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

11

See act i, scene iii.

12

Somerset dialect is employed here.

13

Lowland Scotch is employed here.

14

Compare act i. scene v.

15

The French forms have been retained for the sake of the rhyme.

16

Bigamists were really put to death.

17

Molière seems to have had a grudge against Limoges. Compare act i. scene i.

18

Noblemen were beheaded.