Chapter 4

This epigram is illustrated by the following conversation, which passed between Bouvart and a French marquis, whom he had attended during a long and severe indisposition. As he entered the chamber on a certain occasion, he was thus addressed by his patient: "Good day to you, Mr. Bouvart; I feel quite in spirits, and think my fever has left me."--"I am sure of it, " replied the doctor; "the very first expression you used convinces me of it."--"Pray explain yourself."--"Nothing more easy; in the first days of your illness, when your life was in danger, I was your _dearest friend_; as you began to get better, I was your _good Bouvart_; and now I am Mr. Bouvart; depend upon it you are quite recovered."

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LYING.

A Dutch ambassador, entertaining the king of Siam with an account of Holland, after which his majesty was very inquisitive, amongst other things told him, that water in his country would sometimes get so hard, that men walked upon it; and that it would bear an elephant with the utmost ease. To which the king replied, "Hitherto I have believed the strange things you have told me, because I looked upon you as a sober, fair man; but now _I am sure you lie_."

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