“Come,” said the first, “none of your English prejudices, Tom! You seem to forget that Forest declined being run for representative in Congress; or, as I heard the story, that he was run and elected without his consent, and that he refused to take his seat.”
“So would I have done in his place,” rejoined Tom. “What man of talent would forsake a respectable position in society, in order to earn eight dollars a day in Washington by making or listening to dull speeches?”[7]
“With such notions about you, you had better go at once to England.”
“That’s what I am about to do. I shall sail in the next packet.”
“How long do you mean to stay in Europe?”
“As long as possible; nothing but absolute necessity shall ever bring me back to this country.”
“Then it would be cruel to wish you a speedy return!”
(Tom took his hat, and left the box.)
Iago.—“Thou art sure of me; go, make money.”
“Iago is no fool,” observed a gentleman, who, until now, had attentively listened to the play, struck with so sensible a remark.