Produced by Dagny
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La Tontine
One Act by Le Sage
Translated and Adapted by
Frank J. Morlock
C 1986
English: Original French:
Dr. Peacock M. Trousse-Galant
Flem M. Bolus
Worthy Eraste
Harriet Marianne
Jeremy Crispin
Dudley Ambrose
Trippet Frosine
St. Slaughter * Sergeant
Soldiers
* This character and the soldiers may be omitted in production.
Five men, two women
FlemTruly, Dr. Peacock, you're a clever man. I've been a pharmacist fortwenty-five years and never met a doctor who practiced medicine likeyou.
PeacockIndeed, no other doctor of my acquaintance has penetrated nature asdeeply as I have. But I don't like to praise myself; I can't standflattery. I want you to come home with me to discuss an importantmatter. Now, has any one asked for me while I was away? TRIPPET, hey,TRIPPET!
Trippet (entering)
How you do scream! Well, sir, what can I do for you?
Peacock
Has Lady Bellaston asked for me?
Trippet
No, sir.
Peacock
So much the better. It's a sign her medication is working. How about
Judge Glanville—has he called?
Trippet
Yes, sir.
PeacockGood. It's to tell me that the purge I gave him yesterday has curedhim of his pleurisy.
TrippetThe poor man died during the night. His son came to tell you. He wasin a fury and cursed you and Mr. Flem. I took your part and he cussedme out, too. Happily, I can deal with that. I listened to him verycalmly.
PeacockWhat right has he to complain? I gave him the best treatment. I bledhim more than twenty times and purged him frequently. He ought to becured according to the books.
Trippet
And died according to bell and candle.
Peacock
Get out of here, impudence. Leave criticizing doctors to the surgeons.
(Exit Trippet.)
FlemBetween you and me, Dr. Peacock, I don't have a high opinion of thatpurge.
Peacock
It worked effectively most of the time—excepting the Judge.
Flem
Also, excepting your wife who you buried last year.
Peacock
Right.
Flem
That merits some c