ending _-gnac_.] No, I could never put up with Pourceaugnac; and
we will abuse the man to such an extent, and play him so many tricks,
that he will have to return to Limoges, Mr. de Pourceaugnac.

ERA. Here is our cunning Neapolitan, who will give us news.




SCENE IV.--JULIA, ERASTE, SBRIGANI, NERINE.

SBRI. Our man has just come, Sir. I saw him at a place three leagues
away from here, where the coach stops; and I studied him for more
than half an hour in the kitchen, where he went down to breakfast,
and I know him now perfectly. As to his appearance, I will say nothing
about it; you will see for yourselves what nature has done for him, and
if his dress is not the very thing to set that off. But as for his
understanding, I can tell you beforehand that it is among the dullest I
have met with for a long time. We shall find in him a fit subject to work
upon as we like. He is just the man to fall into all the traps laid for
him.

ERA. Is all that possible?

SBRI. Perfectly true, and I am skilled in the knowledge of men.

NER. (_pointing to_ SBRIGANI). This is a famous man, Madam; and
your affair could not be trusted to better hands. He is the hero of
the age, for the wonders he has performed. A man who, twenty times in
his life, has generously braved the galleys to serve his friends;