Augustus Does His Bit by George Bernard Shaw
page 19 of 35 (54%)
page 19 of 35 (54%)
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forgive England? Remember: England! Forgive her.
AUGUSTUS [with gloomy magnanimity]. It will make no difference whatever to my services to my country. Though she slay me, yet will I, if not exactly trust in her, at least take my part in her government. I am ever at my country's call. Whether it be the embassy in a leading European capital, a governor-generalship in the tropics, or my humble mission here to make Little Pifflington do its bit, I am always ready for the sacrifice. Whilst England remains England, wherever there is a public job to be done you will find a Highcastle sticking to it. And now, madam, enough of my tragic personal history. You have called on business. What can I do for you? THE LADY. You have relatives at the Foreign Office, have you not? AUGUSTUS [haughtily]. Madam, the Foreign Office is staffed by my relatives exclusively. THE LADY. Has the Foreign Office warned you that you are being pursued by a female spy who is determined to obtain possession of a certain list of gun emplacements? AUGUSTUS [interrupting her somewhat loftily]. All that is perfectly well known to this department, madam. THE LADY [surprised and rather indignant]. Is it? Who told you? Was it one of your German brothers-in-law? AUGUSTUS [injured, remonstrating]. I have only three German |
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