BER. When you put on the cap and gown of a doctor, all that will come
of itself, and you will afterwards be much more clever than you care
to be.
ARG. What! We understand how to discourse upon diseases when we have
that dress?
BER. Yes; you have only to hold forth; when you have a cap and gown,
any stuff becomes learned, and all rubbish good sense.
TOI. Look you, Sir; a beard is something in itself; a beard is half
the doctor.
CLE. Anyhow, I am ready for everything.
BER. (_to_ ARGAN). Shall we have the thing done immediately?
ARG. How, immediately?
BER. Yes, in your house.
ARG. In my house?
BER. Yes, I know a body of physicians, friends of mine, who will come
presently, and will perform the ceremony in your hall. It will cost
you nothing.
ARG. But what can I say, what can I answer?
BER. You will be instructed in a few words, and they will give you in
writing all you have to say. Go and dress yourself directly, and I
will send for them.
ARG. Very well; let it be done.
SCENE XXIII.--BERALDE, ANGELIQUE, CLEANTE.
CLE. What is it yon intend to do, and what do you mean by this body of
physicians?
TOI. What is it you are going to do?
BER. To amuse ourselves a little to-night. The players have made a
doctor's admission the subject of an interlude, with dances and music.
I want everyone to enjoy it, and my brother to act the principal part
in it.
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