COL [to Pierre Poiret] In comparing your conduct with your brother’s all men of real worth will blame him and congratulate you, as I do, most sincerely. [He shakes him by the hand].
CHEV [to Pierre Poiret] Bravo, monsieur! You are helping us in our great work. [He shakes him by the hand].
JACQUES [looking at his brother] They seem as if they meant it!
BRIGNAC [to Jacques Poiret] You, monsieur, have chosen the easier and more agreeable life; don’t be surprised if we look upon your brother as the more meritorious, though you may be cleverer.
PIERRE [striking his thigh] That’s the talk. [To his brother] Put that in your pipe, M. Jacques.
JACQUES. All right. You are the most meritorious. Is that what you’re going to pay your baker with?
PIERRE. Shut up! I’m the best citizen! I’m the most meritorious!
JACQUES. H’m—yes. What does that bring you in?
SOUS-IN. I will tell you that, monsieur. It brings in to your brother, as the poet says, ‘The joy of duty done.’