CRILLY
Are you going to finish the abstracts to-night, Albert?
ALBERT
I believe I am. Go on with "The Devil's Rambles," Tournour.
CRILLY
I heard it in Keegan's. It's damn good.
TOURNOUR
I don't like saying it before Mister Crilly.
CRILLY (with easy contempt) Go on with it, man; I'll leave a pint in Keegan's for you.
TOURNOUR
Well, you mightn't like it.
CRILLY
Have done talking and go on with it.
TOURNOUR (reciting)—
"In his chamber above—a—a person lay snug,
When the Devil this summons roared in his lug—
'Get up,' said the Devil, 'and swear you'll be true,
And the oath of allegiance I'll tender anew.
You'll have pork, veal, and lamb, mutton-chops, fowl and fish,
Cabbage and carrots and leeks as you wish.
No fast days to you will make visitation,
For your sake the town will have dispensation.
Long days you will have, without envy or strife,
And when you depart you'll find the same life,
And in the next world you'll have your will and your sway,
With a Poorhouse to govern all your own way,
And I'll promise you this; to keep up your state,
You'll have Felix Tournour to watch at the gate.'"
CRILLY That's damn good. I must get a copy of the whole of it to show at Keegan's.