If you do not approve of what my heart feels, if
you refuse to give me Cleante for a husband, I conjure you, at least,
not to force me to marry another. It is all I have to ask of you.
CLE. (_throwing himself at_ ARGAN'S _feet_). Ah! Sir, allow
your heart to be touched by her entreaties and by mine, and do not
oppose our mutual love.
BER. Brother, how can you resist all this?
TOI. Will you remain insensible before such affection?
ARG. Well, let him become a doctor, and I will consent to the
marriage. (_To_ CLEANTE) Yes, turn doctor, Sir, and I will give
you my daughter.
CLE. Very willingly, Sir, if it is all that is required to become your
son-in-law. I will turn doctor; apothecary also, if you like. It is
not such a difficult thing after all, and I would do much more to
obtain from you the fair Angelique.
BER. But, brother, it just strikes me; why don't you turn doctor
yourself? It would be much more convenient to have all you want within
yourself.
TOI. Quite true. That is the very way to cure yourself. There is no
disease bold enough to dare to attack the person of a doctor.
ARG. I imagine, brother, that you are laughing at me. Can I study at
my age?
BER. Study! What need is there? You are clever enough for that; there
are a great many who are not a bit more clever than you are.
ARG. But one must be able to speak Latin well, and know the different
diseases and the remedies they require.
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