White: Speech, speech!
[He is supported by the rest.]
Burns (rising): It is a great honour to be in your convivial company. They are fools outside, but we are Solomons, with the perpetual fount of wisdom before us. We are the true ministers of state, for our policy is everlasting. Love is our law, and drink is our prophet, and shall we not obey these? I give you back a toast—Woman and the brimming bowl—gentlemen!
[The toast is honoured.]
Burns: Mr. Duncan, wake up, sir. Be not dejected in sleep, Mr. Duncan.
White (shaking him): Wake up, Shy. Shall we forget our behaviour before a man of genius, a man of temperament?
Duncan (rousing himself): Ten per cent.? What’s ten per cent. to me? I’ll not deal under twelve. Not a guinea under fifteen.
Muir: Behave yourself, Shy. To-morrow we will be again your devoted clients. To-night we do not discuss these things.
Duncan: I beg your pardon, gentlemen. I fell asleep, and was dreaming of a small transaction—most negligent of me to mention it in this company. By no means.
White: A very unpleasant reference, Shy. When is quarter-day?