Passer-by. Almanacs for the new year?
Almanac Seller. Yes, sir.
Passer-by. Do you think this year will be a happy one?
Almanac Seller. Yes, to be sure, sir.
Passer-by. As happy as last year?
Almanac Seller. Much more so.
Passer-by. As the year before?
Almanac Seller. Still more so, sir.
Passer-by. Why, should you not like the new year to resemble one of the past two years?