Mrs. Stewart (touching the piano very lightly to the air of ‘Afton Water’): Do you find Edinburgh agreeable?
Burns: Some moments of it.
Mrs. Stewart: I hear of your fame everywhere.
Burns: Fortunately it does not deceive me.
Mrs. Stewart: But you have the sincere interest of many.
Burns: There are not many whose interest is valuable. With most, I please for a season—a new fashion in the window.
Mrs. Stewart: A poet must not be bitter, Mr. Burns.
Burns: I am not bitter, madam. I know my friends from the rest, that is all.
Mrs. Stewart: Your friends should be happy.
Burns: You are very gracious. You forget the—condescensions.