ws of gain, I never stake the reputation of so noble an art without a
rational prospect of success; and what success can I hope for in so
obstinate a disorder, unless the patient will consent to a fair
experiment of what I can effect?' 'Indeed,' replied the gentleman, 'what
you say is so candid, and your whole behaviour so much interests me in
your favour, that I will immediately give you proofs of the most
unbounded confidence.'

"He then sent for his servants and ordered them to return home, and not
to come near him till a whole month was elapsed. When they were gone,
the physician asked him how he supported the journey? 'Why, really,'
answered he, 'much better than I could have expected. But I feel myself
unusually hungry; and therefore, with your permission, shall beg to have
the hour of supper a little hastened.' 'Most willingly,' answered the
doctor; 'at eight o'clock everything shall be ready for your
entertainment. In the meantime you will permit me to visit my patients.'

"While the physician was absent, the gentleman was pleasing his
imagination with the thoughts of the excellent supper he should make.
'Doubtless,' said he to himself, 'if Signor Ramozini treats the poor in
such an hospitable manner, he will spare nothing for the entertainment
of a man of my importance. I have heard there are delicious trouts and
ortolans in this part of Italy; I make no doubt but the doctor keeps an
excellent cook, and I shall have no reason to repent the dismission of
my servants.'

"With these ideas he kept himself some time amused; at length his
appetite growing keener and keener every instant, from fasting longer
than ordinary, he lost all patience, and, calling one of the servants of
the house, inquired for some little nice thing to stay his stomach till
the hour of supper. 'Sir,' said the servant, 'I would gladly oblige you;
but it is as much as my place is worth; my master is the best and most
generous of men, but so great is his attention to his house patients,
that he will not suffer one of them to eat, unless in his presence.
However, sir, have patience; in two hours more the supper will be ready,
and then you may indemnify yourself for all.'

"Thus was the gentleman compelled to pass two hours more without food--a
degree of abstinence he had not practised for almost twenty years. He
complained bitterly of the slowness of time, and was continually
inquiring what was the hour.

"At length the doctor returned punc