Nobis sunt signa, vobis sunt prandia digna.

If my wife at any time prove to be unwell and ill at ease, I will look upon the water which she shall have made in an urinal glass, quoth Rondibilis, grope her pulse, and see the disposition of her hypogaster, together with her umbilicary parts—­according to the prescript rule of Hippocrates, 2.  Aph. 35—­before I proceed any further in the cure of her distemper.  No, no, quoth Panurge, that will be but to little purpose.  Such a feat is for the practice of us that are lawyers, who have the rubric, De ventre inspiciendo.  Do not therefore trouble yourself about it, master doctor; I will provide for her a plaster of warm guts.  Do not neglect your more urgent occasions otherwhere for coming to my wedding.  I will send you some supply of victuals to your own house, without putting you to the trouble of coming abroad, and you shall always be my special friend.  With this, approaching somewhat nearer to him, he clapped into his hand, without the speaking of so much as one word, four rose nobles.  Rondibilis did shut his fist upon them right kindly; yet, as if it had displeased him to make acceptance of such golden presents, he in a start, as if he had been wroth, said, He he, he, he, he! there was no need of anything; I thank you nevertheless.  From wicked folks I never get enough, and I from honest people refuse nothing.  I shall be always, sir, at your command.  Provided that I pay you well, quoth Panurge.  That, quoth Rondibilis, is understood.

Chapter 3.XXXV.

How the philosopher Trouillogan handleth the difficulty of marriage.

As this discourse was ended, Pantagruel said to the philosopher Trouillogan, Our loyal, honest, true, and trusty friend, the lamp from hand to hand is come to you.  It falleth to your turn to give an answer:  Should Panurge, pray you, marry, yea or no?  He should do both, quoth Trouillogan.  What say you? asked Panurge.  That which you have heard, answered Trouillogan.  What have I heard? replied Panurge.  That which I have said, replied Trouillogan.  Ha, ha, ha! are we come to that pass? quoth Panurge.  Let it go nevertheless, I do not value it at a rush, seeing we can make no better of the game.  But howsoever tell me, Should I marry or no?  Neither the one nor the other, answered Trouillogan.  The devil take me, quoth Panurge, if these odd answers do not make me dote, and may he snatch me presently away if I do understand you.  Stay awhile until I fasten these spectacles of mine on this left ear, that I may hear you better.  With this Pantagruel perceived at the door of the great hall, which was that day their dining-room, Gargantua’s little dog, whose name was Kyne; for so was Toby’s dog called, as is recorded.  Then did he say to these who were there present, Our king is not far off,—­let us all rise.