Master: On the contrary, I want you to laugh. (Picking up a paper.) To tell the truth, a better reply to your remark would be the following passage from “A New Catechism of French Literature.” Here it is. It’s a question of paper-soiling. Listen, what the use is of paper-soiling: “The flourishing condition of paper manufacturers, printers, and booksellers, the diversion of others, the nourishment of one’s own spirit, which almost unceasingly languishes with a thirst for instruction and the acquirement of glory.” Of course, you’ll say that what was written in 1808, can have no significance to the twentieth century, but I
Friend: You’re not really interested in these old things?
Master: Old things? A paper for September, 1808, to be called old! (To Companion.) Well, I never! (To Friend.) Ah, if you only knew how every novelty excites us, every event of passing life! Why, not long ago a meeting took place between the Emperor Alexander and Napoleon. Would you believe it, our hands shook when we learned what was happening? Just listen. (Reads.) “We speak of the meeting
