Jean: Good-evening.
[He goes with M’Pherson.]
The Girl: It’s a great thing to be famous like that, with folks travelling from London to look at you.
Willie: Aye, it’s great. But it’s not very profitable.
Burns: Jean, Jean—I ought to be conquering the world, and I’ve crept into favour at Dumfries at seventy pounds a year.
Jean: Don’t trouble, Robin. It’s all right.
Burns: ‘Here’s a bottle and an honest friend’—not many of your honesty, Jean.
[He moves to fill his glass from the bowl on the table, but the Girl skilfully removes it before he gets there.]
Burns (looking at his empty glass): I—well, you’re right, maybe.
Willie (rising): Your fame will have a double edge, Mr. Burns, that’s what it is.