Macaire. What is life? A boose and the police.
Bertrand. Of course, I know you’re clever; I admire you down to the ground, and I’ll starve without you. But I can’t stand it, and I’m off. Good-bye: good luck to you, old man! and if you want the bundle——
Macaire. I am a gentleman of a mild disposition, and, I thank my Maker, elegant manners; but rather than be betrayed by such a thing as you are, with the courage of a hare, and the manners, by the Lord Harry, of a jumping-jack——(He shows his knife.)
Bertrand. Put it up, put it up: I’ll do what you want.
Macaire. What is obedience? fear. So march straight, or look for mischief. It’s not bon ton, I know, and far from friendly. But what is friendship? convenience. But we lose time in this amiable dalliance. Come, now, an effort of deportment: the head thrown back, a jaunty carriage of the leg; crook gracefully the elbow. Thus. ’Tis better. (Calling.) House, house here!
Bertrand. Are you mad? We haven’t a brass farthing.
Macaire. Now!—But before we leave!
SCENE IV
To these, Dumont
Dumont. Gentlemen, what can a plain man do for your service?