Member. But it is true. I hold in my hand this truth-telling sheet. (Shouts of "Well done!") This admirable journal describes the Minister as a trickster, a man without a heart! [Yells of approbation.
President. I warn the Member that he is going too far. He is outraging the public conscience. ["Hear! hear!"
Member. It is you that outrage the public conscience. [Sensation.
President. This is too much! If I hear another word of insult, I will assume my hat.
[Profound and long-continued agitation.
Member. A hat is better than a turned coat! (Thunders of applause.) I say that this paper is full of wholesome things, and that when it denounces the Minister as a good-for-nothing, as a slanderer, as a thief—it does but its duty.
[Descends from the Tribune amidst tumultuous applause, and is met by the Minister. Grand altercation, with results.
Minister's Friends. What have you done to him?
Minister (with dignity). I have avenged my honour—I have hit him in the eye!
[Scene closes in upon the Minister receiving hearty congratulations from all sides of the Chamber.