[Footnote: The Martial who _did not write
verses_, sold perfumery, and was valet-de-chambre to the king's
brother. Martial, the Roman epigrammatist, lived in the first century
after Christ.]
VISC. Mr. Thibaudier has read the authors, as you see. But, Madam, we
shall see if my comedy, with its interludes and dances, will
counteract in your mind the progress which the two strophes have made.
COUN. My son the Count must be one of the spectators, for he came this
morning from my country-seat, with his tutor, whom I see here.
SCENE XVII.--THE COUNTESS, JULIA, THE VISCOUNT, MR. THIBAUDIER, MR.
BOBINET, CRIQUET.
COUN. Mr. Bobinet, I say, Mr. Bobinet, come forward.
BOB. I give the good evening to all this honourable company. What does
Madam the Countess of Escarbagnas want of her humble servant Bobinet?
COUN. At what time, Mr. Bobinet, did you leave Escarbagnas with the
Count my son?
BOB. At a quarter to nine, my lady, according to your orders.
COUN. How are my two other sons, the Marquis and the Commander?
BOB. They are, Heaven be thanked, in perfect health.
COUN. Where is the Count?
BOB. In your beautiful room, with a recess in it, Madam.
COUN. What is he doing, Mr. Bobinet?
BOB. Madam, he is composing an essay upon one of the epistles of
Cicero, which I have just given him as a subject.
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