--Yes; I would remove the oyster.
F.--But if the pearl were growing very rapidly this operation would
not be immediately advisable.
D.--That would depend upon the symptomatic diagnosis.
F.--Beast! Give me air!
* * * * *
DOCTOR.--I have been thinking--
FOOL.--(Liar!)
D.--That you "come out" rather well for a fool.
Can it be that I have been entertaining an angel unawares?
F.--Dismiss the apprehension: I am as great a fool as yourself. But
there is a way by which in future you may resolve a similar doubt.
D.--Explain.
F.--Speak to your guest of symptomatic diagnosis. If he is an angel,
he will not resent it.
* * * * *
III.
SOLDIER (_reading from "Napier"_).--"Who would not rather be buried by
an army upon the field of battle than by a sexton in a church-yard!"
FOOL.--I give it up.
S.--I am not aware that any one has asked you for an opinion.
F.--I am not aware that I have given one: there is a happiness yet in
store for you.
S.--I will revel in anticipation.
F.--You must revel somehow; without revelry there would be no
soldiering.
S.--Idiot.
F.--I beg your pardon: I had thought your profession had at least
taught you to call people by their proper titles.
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