I don't want to be ungracious, but I must decline to be under any obligation whatever to a—well, to a perfect stranger like yourself.
Fakrash.
Hast thou not placed me under the heaviest of obligations by delivering me from a bottle of brass? To escape out of a bottle is pleasant!
Horace.
So I should imagine. But, you see, I'd no notion what I was doing or—well, it's done now, and if you really wish to show your gratitude for a very trifling service, I'll tell you how you can do it. [In a tone of earnest entreaty.] Take back all these gifts of yours, and let me alone!
Fakrash.
[Beaming.] Truly I am amazed by thy modesty and magnanimity!
Horace.
I'm not magnanimous—I'm devilish annoyed! [Exasperated.] Hang it all! Can't you understand that all these things are no earthly use to me? You might just as well have sent me so many white elephants!
Fakrash.