All the Mess. Certainly!—decidedly!—of course.
[Band without begin to play Von Weber's favourite overture.]
Col. Diamond. Mess-waiter!
Waiter (advancing three paces towards the Colonel). Sir!
Col. Diamond. Tell the band-master to stop that, and to play “Lady Fanny's Hussar piece.”
[Exit Waiter in a trot.]
All the Mess. Bravo! Colonel, a good move.
Col. Diamond. Von Weber's music is very well, and the King patronizes it; but, 'pon my honour, Lady Fanny's Hussar is more elegant.
[Band play a noise, in which several screams of the clarionet and groans of the trombone are prominent, during which the Mess beat time, or rather move their heads and fingers, occasionally commenting on the piece. At length the instruments cease to play, after a violent struggle of the bassoons.]
Col. Diamond. Isn't it very good?