Master: Quite possibly. Satiated with power, stung to the quick by the French, thirsting for popularity, taken with the difficulties of the problem—Begad, it’s so seductive to be a pioneer. (Picks up cards.) Still, I think I should have been a reactionary. I don’t know what would have been, and, what is, oh! better I didn’t! (Tears the pack of cards in half. Arab boy arranges swords for the dance.)
Companion: Ah! here’s the black boy.
Master (smiles): Young sulks!
Friend: What do you keep him for?
Master: Isn’t he interesting?
Companion: In his eyes there is so much longing for the sultry sun and the sweet palms, that beside it our sorrows seem pale and unsubstantial.
Friend: Excellent!
Master (to Companion): Play us something.
Companion (to Friend): But you like music?
Master: He adores it. (To Friend.) Would you like to hear Mozart on the clavichord?
Friend: Perhaps the andante from the C sharp?
Master: I agree. (Goes to the fire and throws away the halves of the torn cards.)
