(He puts his hand on her bosom.) All my nostrums, all my skill, all my cleverness, is at your service; and …

Lucas. By your leave, M. Doctor; leave my wife alone, I pray you.

Sganarelle. What! is she your wife?

Lucas. Yes.

Sganarelle. Oh! indeed! I did not know that, but I am very glad of it for the love of both. (He pretends to embrace Lucas, but embraces the nurse.)

Lucas. (pulling Sganarelle away, and placing himself between him and his wife). Gently, if you please.

Sganarelle. I assure you that I am delighted that you should be united together. I congratulate her upon having such a husband as you; and I congratulate you upon having a wife so handsome, so discreet, and so well-shaped as she is. (He pretends once more to embrace Lucas, who holds out his arms, he slips under them and embraces the nurse).

Lucas (pulling him away again). Do not pay so many compliments, I beg of you.

Sganarelle. Shall I not rejoice with you about such a lovely harmony?

Lucas. With me as much as you like; but a truce to compliments with my wife.

Sganarelle. I have both your happiness equally at heart; and if I embrace you to show my delight in you, I embrace her to show my delight in her. (Same by-play).

Lucas (pulling him away for the third time). Odds boddikins, Doctor, what capers you cut!

Scene V.—Géronte, Sganarelle, Lucas, Jacqueline.

Géronte. My daughter will be here directly, Sir.

Sganarelle. I am awaiting her, Sir, with all my physic.

Géronte. Where is it?

Sganarelle (touching his forehead). In there.

Géronte. That is good.

Sganarelle. But as I feel much interested in your family, I should like to test the milk of your nurse, and examine her breasts. (He draws close to Jacqueline).

Lucas (pulling him away, and swinging him round). Nothing of the sort, nothing of the sort. I do not wish it.

Sganarelle. It is the physician’s duty to see the breasts of the nurse.

Lucas. Duty or no duty, I will not have it.

Sganarelle. Have you the audacity to contradict a physician? Out with you.

Lucas. I do not care a straw about a physician.

Sganarelle (looking askance at him). I will give you a fever.