a more skilful doctor. He is a man who understands medicine
thoroughly, as well as I do my A B C; [Footnote: _Ma croix de par
Dieu_, "my Christ-cross-row," or "Criss-cross-row," in old and
provincial English.] and who, were you to die for it, would not abate
one iota of the rules of the ancients. Yes, he always follows the
high-road--the high-road, Sir, and doesn't spend his time finding out
mares' nests. For all the gold in the world he would not cure anybody
with other medicines than those prescribed by the faculty.

ERA. He is quite right. A patient should not wish to be cured unless
the faculty consents to it.

APO. It is not because we are great friends that I speak so of him;
but it is a pleasure to be his patient, and I had rather die by his
medicines than be cured with those of another. For, whatever may
happen, we know for certain that things are always in due order; and
should we die under his care, our heirs have nothing to reproach us
with.

ERA. A great comfort to a dead man.

APO. Certainly; it is pleasant to have died according to rules.
Moreover, he is not one of those doctors who let a disease off. He is
an expeditious man--expeditious, Sir, who likes to clear off his
patients; and when they are to die, the thing is done in no time.

ERA. There is, to be sure, nothing like going through the business
quickly.

APO. Indeed, what is the use of haggling over the matter, and beating