He must be taken for what he is, not for what he was; and if he calls
King George his brother it doesn't speak badly for his friendliness.


FIRST PASSENGER

Whether or no, the King, rightly enough, did not reply in person,
but through Lord Mulgrave our Foreign Minister, to the effect that
his Britannic Majesty cannot give a specific answer till he has
communicated with the Continental powers.


THIRD PASSENGER

Both the manner and the matter of the reply are British; but a huge
mistake.


FIRST PASSENGER

Sir, am I to deem you a friend of Bonaparte, a traitor to your
country---


THIRD PASSENGER

Damn my wig, sir, if I'll be called a traitor by you or any Court
sycophant at all at all!

[He unpacks a case of pistols.]