The Tribune of the People: Say that I am going to speak to them!

(The go-between goes out on to the balcony. He can be seen bending over the rail and waving his arms. The tribune of the people takes the arm of the high prefect and walks across the hall with him, talking and gesturing.

The Man Out of Office: See them! Not him!

His Excellency the High Prefect! Serious as a tethered ass!

Did you know that he writes verses in secret?

The Tribune of the People (pointing sideways at tête-d'or with his chin): Eh?

The High Prefect (authoritatively): Don't alarm yourself!

The Tribune of the People: Tell me, Albert....

The High Prefect: Don't alarm yourself. All this is absurd!

He has profited by the....