The General
You?

Godard
Yes, I.

The General
Have you won any battles? Have you saved your country? Have you added
to its glory? This is pitiful!

Godard
Pitiful? (Aside) What shall I say? (Aloud) We differ in our views on
this subject, but do you know why I prefer your adorable Pauline?

The General
I suppose it is because you love her.

Godard
That is a matter of course; but it is also on account of the harmony,
the tranquillity, the happiness which reign here! It is so delightful
to enter a family of high honor, of pure, sincere, patriarchal
manners! I am a man of observation.

The General
That is to say, you are inquisitive.

Godard
Curiosity, General, is the mother of observation. I know the seamy
side of the whole department.