POET
Let us sit down and talk of things that matter, things that will be remembered after a hundred years. (They sit) Regarded in this light one sees at once the triviality of hats. But to die, and die beautifully for a hopeless love, that is a thing one could make a lyric about. That is the test of essential things—try and imagine them in a lyric. One could not write a lyric about a hat.
CALLER
I don't care whether you could write a lyric about my hat or whether you couldn't. All I know is that I am not going to make myself absolutely ridiculous by walking about in London without a hat. Will you get it for me or will you not?
POET
To take any part in the tuning of a piano is impossible to me.
CALLER
Well, pretend you've come to look at the radiator. They have one under the window, and I happen to know it leaks.
POET
I suppose it has an artistic decoration on it.