(The Waits are heard singing a carol.)
Messenger. You are still devoted to self in spite of the poor opinion of your friends. Have you no suspicion of yourself?
Horace. It strikes me that there is a lot of guess-work about you, and what’s more, you are making some uncommonly bad shots. You’ve pitched on me as an example of selfishness. Now, I’m not selfish. It’s the other people who are selfish. Not I.
Messenger. Sublime conceit!
Horace. Oh, my goodness, there are the Waits! Where’s a policeman? I’ll have them moved on.
Messenger. Why?
Horace. Why, listen to them! That’s why.
Messenger. They are singing for charity. What they receive they give away.
Horace. Nonsense! They are singing because they like it.
Messenger. They are singing to help others.