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GOR

. But grant me the favour of showing yourself with him, and of embracing him at the window before me.

SGAN

. (from the window). It is a thing I would refuse to any one but you; but, to show you that I would do anything for your sake, I consent, though with difficulty, and I wish that he should first ask you to forgive him for the trouble he has given you.–Yes, Mr. Gorgibus, I beg your pardon for having troubled you so much; and I promise you, my brother, in the presence of Mr. Gorgibus, to be so careful in future that you will never have reason to complain. I beg of you not to think any more of what is past (he kisses his hat and his ruff, which he has put at the end of his elbow).

GOR

. Well, did you not see them both?

GR.-RE

. Upon my word, he is a sorcerer!

SGAN

. (coming out of the house as doctor). I give you back the key of your house, sir. I do not wish this scoundrel to come down with me, for he makes me ashamed of him. I would not, for anything, that he should be seen with me in this town, where I have some reputation. You can send him away when you please. I wish you good morning, and am your humble servant (feigns to go, but, after having thrown down his gown, enters the house by the window).

GOR

. I must go, and set this poor fellow free. To say the truth, if his brother has forgiven him, it is not before ill-treating him very much (goes into his house, and comes out with Sganarelle as a servant).

SGAN

. I thank you very much, sir, for the trouble you have taken and the kindness you have shown me. I shall be obliged to you for it all my life.

GR.-RE

. (to Gorgibus). Where do you think the doctor is now?

GOR

. He is gone away.

GR.-RE

. (who has picked up Sganarelle’s gown). I hold him under my arm. There is the knave who played the doctor and deceived you; and, while he is deceiving you and playing you off, Valere and your daughter are together, doing all they like.

GOR

. Ah! how unfortunate I am! But you shall be hanged! you knave! you scoundrel!

SGAN

. Why, sir, what good will it do you to hang me? Hear a word or two, I beg of you. It is true that, thanks to my stratagem, my master is with your daughter; but, while serving him, I have done you no wrong. It is a good match for her, both as to birth and money. Believe me, do not make a scandal which would turn to your shame; but send this knave here to the devil along with Villebrequin. But here are our lovers.

SCENE XV

.–Valere, Lucile, Gorgibus, Sganarelle.

VAL

. We come to ask you to forgive us.

GOR

. I forgive you; and, on seeing such a good son-in-law, think myself happily deceived by Sganarelle. Now, let us all go to the wedding, and drink the health of the company.