Major John Richardson
Dramatis Personae:
Sniggers, an Old Miser
Tom Strapper
Doctor
Baker, Publican, and other trades-people
Mrs Plunket
Rosa
Needlewoman, etc
Policemen, servants, etc
Act I, Scene I
Enter TOM and ROSA at different sides of the stage. Part of a street scene.
TOM: Ah my little Rosa, so you are come at last. I have been watching for you, I don't know how long.
ROSA: I am glad to see you dear Tom.
TOM: You look as blooming as the roses in your father's garden. How does the honest man do?
ROSA: Well enough in health, but poor enough in purse, he has nothing to give us Tom, there's such a lot of us to keep.
TOM: That is a bad hearing, but can't you get at the miser's tin; your old uncle's; you are sharp enough, and I swear pretty enough to addle the wits of any man out of his head.
ROSA: [Laughing] I wish I was, but I know somebody who is a desperate good schemer; she might think of a plan to extract a little out of his chest. I'll go and consult her.
TOM: Who is that, I must go with you were it to the end of the world.
ROSA: Oh look there, here she is coming dear, good, kind-hearted, Mrs Plunket.
Enter MRS PLUNKET
ROSA: [Runs up to her] Dear Mrs Plunket, you are the very person I was coming to seek for.
MRS PLUNKET: Oh my darling, and is it you your pretty self and your young man with you. [Takes their hands]
TOM: Yes, here we are wanting your advice. I am impatient to be married and ...
MRS PLUNKET: Ah I am afraid you must put your impatience into your pocket my darlings till the times are better.
TOM: No no. I'll not pocket my impatience at all at all; we are looking to you for help.
MRS PLUNKET: Bless you children, I have got the will, but where's the way.
ROSA: We will tell you the way fast enough, don't you know the miser my rich old uncle.
MRS PLUNKET: Know the old niggardly dog; Ah sure I know him full well, and hasn't he let all my back premises go to ruin that I rent of him, the old screw, all for the want of a little care. Don't I owe him a grudge that's all.
TOM: Well can't you serve him out, good Mrs Plunket.
ROSA: Oh do think of some plan to get some of his money out of him, he is a(s) rich as a jew and ...
MRS PLUNKET: Aye aye. I know that, it won't help his poor hard working brother. Hard luck to him.
ROSA and TOM: [Together] Oh pray, invent some scheme, any contrivance to do him out of his money.
MRS PLUNKET: [Places her finger on her lips for a moment] I have it, I have it. [Then snaps her fingers] I've thought of a plan, if it do but answer. And sure enough I think it will; trust me my darlings, but I am nearly positive we shall make the old fellow part with some of his heart's blood, that is his money. Come follow me, and we will lay our heads together. When wasn't it three heads were better than one. By St. Patrick we will serve out the old screw, come along.
[Exeunt]
(Pages 6 and 7 wanting)
Act I, Scene 2
[Apartment in an old miser's house; chests, boxes, in one corner of the room which is destitute of furniture, except a screen, two old chaises and a three legged table with one leg broken. Enter TOM STRAPPER, as if from a window not seen.]
TOM: Here I am at last. By my troth, I gave myself up for a lost man, if I had not been as active as a squirrel, and as cunning as a fox, the world would have lost a very fine fellow. But my worthy coadjutor the honest Mrs Plunket gave me my clue, says she to me: Tom you're an active lad, and there's a window in a remote corner of the old miser's house; for I know every inch of it, and I know his habits, he will be away in the back premises at ten in the morning, so get up a good heart my lad, and if ye can climb like a cat and jump like a squirrel ye may either break through the window, or open it, and so get in to spy about the premises, and so here I am safe, and sound. Here is a pretty apartment. By jingo, what a rat hole, bare broken-down walls. [Walks about examining the room] One old chair, with a sorry companion and a limping table, an old rusty grate that's not made aquaintance with a fire this hundred years. I'll be bound. Ah ha ... but here's the treasure. [Standing before the chests] cased well enough in iron, and lined well enough with gould, I'll warrant. By my wit and the good Plunket's, we will make the gould tops spin, and I, and my pretty Rosa will be a tender couple of turtle-doves yet. Let me see, come Tom, stir up your senses my lad, where is the door? [looks around] Oh there it is, that will do and by all that's beautiful here's a screen to hide behind and watch the proceedings of the old gentleman. Hist! the devil, I hear him coming, I shall be caged like a tiger, I must hide behind the screen. 'Twill turn everything topsy turvy if I am found on the premises. [Goes behind the screen]
[Enter SNIGGERS]
SNIGGERS: [Rubbing his hands] 'Tis cold. [Looks round] I wonder what is in the wind. I could not rest well last night, only snatches of sleep, and then bad dreams. Dreamed I had lost it. [feels his pockets] No not lost, [takes out a key and looks at it] He, he, he, there you are, quite safe, quite safe, why should it not be so always under my pillow at night, and in my pocket in the day time. Dear dear! I'll make use of ye too, to unlock my treasures; I counted the gold this morning at six o'clock, and looked at the diamond necklaces, and brooches, and sprigs, [rubbing his hands and chuckling] Ah ha! all safe and beautiful. Aye and my notes, and silver; right all right. That was three hours ago - yet my heart feels heavy; I'll count again. There stands my treasure. [looking towards the boxes] My life's blood is locked up there. I must just see it once more, before I go to that cursed woman who won't pay me her rent, says she's starving, 'tis a lie I know! Now for it - the doors are fast - [Moves towards the chests, at that moment a loud knock at the door]
SNIGGERS: [Starts] Who can that be? I know nobody that wants to see me; and I don't want to see anyone, who is it, I wonder? [Another knock. SNIGGERS moves to the door]
SNIGGERS: Patience! You are in a desperate hurry. [Undoes the door, ROSA runs in, taking him by the hand, shaking it, and pulling SNIGGERS into the front of the stage.]
ROSA: How do ye do uncle? [Laughing] How are ye? 'Tis a beautiful morning; the sun shines everywhere but here. Looking round. This room looks like a prison.
SNIGGERS: [seeming petrified] How do I do! Why bad enough at sight of you. Why do ye call me uncle? I suppose I may be any hussy's uncle, that likes to call me so; come be off with ye. I don't know ye!
ROSA: [Laughing] Be off. Why I am only just come. I am come out of the country. Here is a note from father, John Sniggers. [presents a letter] Your own brother.
SNIGGERS: Some begging petition, I'll be bound. I have nothing to give. You had better go home again. [Reads the letter]
ROSA: [Looks and laughs aside, while SNIGGERS reads] What a comical old touch to be sure, I never saw such an odd fellow before, not I, with this night cap, and hat stuck at top of it; Ha ha ha!
SNIGGERS: Humph! It may be all a lie, or may not, but whatever it is, I am a poor man. I recollect nothing about ten pounds, nor ten halfpence, nor ten farthings. I don't know what he sends such a great fat lubberly woman begging to me for. I have nothing to give. You are enough to breed a famine in the land. how you must eat, feed, devour. [Shudders] And ten of ye. [Looking at the letter, then at Rosa] And all as fat as you, no wonder he wants himself, bad management.
ROSA: Father is a good father. he never stints us, he had rather want himself.
SNIGGERS: And how you are dressed in that smart bonnet and flaunting ribbons. No good will come of you I can see. Thank my stars I had never anything to do with women.
ROSA: But you will have something to do with me uncle. [Coaxingly. Drawing near to SNIGGERS]
SNIGGERS: Don't touch me! I hate women, their heads are full of mischief.
ROSA: Well I am only a young girl; you don't dislike them I am sure. But the ten pounds uncle that father lent you to help to set up in business, years ago, and when it was great distress to himself. You can pay it back now, you are so rich!
TOM: [From behind] He can't refuse her anything.
SNIGGERS: Get out you hussy, I am not rich. Look at my poor room with not a bit of furniture in it, and my old clothes, and my bare cupboard, and not a spark of fire in the grate. Shuddering, and then call me rich. Ah, ah, ah ...
[Unperceived from behind the screen TOM STRAPPER advances.]
SNIGGERS: Why, who the deuce are you.
TOM: Good morning Mr Sniggers!
SNIGGERS: More fools know me, than I know them. I've no wish for your acquaintance; who are ye?
ROSA: [Twisting her apron about] He is my young man uncle, we are going to be married.
SNIGGERS: Married! Then you are a man of fortune, I conclude, and can afford to have more mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. Married! ...
TOM: I have not a farthing.
SNIGGERS: Then the sooner you wear a straight waistcoast and go to Bedlum the better. Maybe you are in a good thriving business?
TOM: Not I - business has run away from me. Everybody is so tight screwed up, there's nothing left for the like of me but to be tight screwed down in our last narrow box. I've served in eight or nine trades but they've all served me out. First at a shoemakers but he'd too many hands and that deuced Guta Percha! - we wished it perched in the gutter - before we saw it, it did our business for us. Then I tried the leather cutting - that soon cut me. I had nothing to do. Next a painter's - there I got the professional colic - kept my bed a fortnight - went to work again, tumbled flat unrolling sheet lead - master thought me a flat and so sent me off in a jiffy. Went to a Publican's - got the place of pot-boy, but master swore I should make his business go to pot, I was too fond of 'The Times', boxed my ears, and said times was bad enough without my wasting time over the papers - therefore I had better cut my stick ... Next I tried a butcher's; master was a screw - fed me with offal, till I was fair to be off myself. Got cross, thought of sweeping the crossings, but that business is over stocked - now Sir you have heard of trying for situations. Could I be my own master in the baker's trade. I think I should do - for eating is the last business people give up.
ROSA: Poor fellow! Uncle ... I say uncle deary, father said he thought you'd come down with a hundred or two just to set us up.
SNIGGERS: Hundred, hundred or two! Why you are both together stark mad! Ask me for money. A poor soul that turns every way to get a penny. Be off with you do. Breaking into my house in this way - Beggars as ye are!
[Enter MRS PLUNKET followed by her young people and a long train of persons whom SNIGGERS has ill used.]
MRS PLUNKET: Well, Mr Sniggers. How are you? You are looking very ill! [She and ROSA whisper mysteriously together while others are talking to SNIGGERS. TOM walks to the back of the stage, then disappears.]
WASHERWOMAN: [with basket of clothes on her head] You want rent, do you Mr Sniggers? You are a fine landlord to be sure! The house is failing about our ears, and the rats galloping up and down, and in and out everywhere. Why haven't you done the repairs you promised?
OTHERS: And my house! And mine! And mine, all out of repair.
WOMAN: [bringing forward a limping child] And look here, you hard hearted old man; my poor boy lame with rheumatism from the rain pouring through the hole in the roof you won't mend.
MILKMAN: [with his pails] Look at this here score - didn't you bother me to let you have farthing's worth of milk when you were bad - and now you old screw, you won't pay me.
WOMAN: [a green-grocer; pointing to a girl with a basket of flowers] See! what we are come to, my Mary obliged to go about the streets selling flowers, and you won't do nothing for us for the taters we let you have!
SNIGGERS: [Shakes his head] Bad! They had the cholera.
COAL-MAN: Where's the money for the half hundred of coal dust, you had at Christmas - it cost me more in shoe leather tramping after it than it's worth.
OLD CLOTHESMAN: [With a bag and pile of hats in his hands] You paid me down but half the value of that ere handsome coat you wears - I'll be obliged to you for the remainder.
SNIGGERS: [Stamps with rage and holds his ears; he tries to make himself heard. He cries out that they drive him crazy.]
BAKER'S MAN: [With a basket on his back] I say this is a bad sixpence you charged at our shop last. Master says he don't want such customers as you.
NEEDLEWOMAN: [Looking very wretched with a baby in one arm and a bundle under the other] Will you be pleased sir to wait a little longer for your rent. I can't get nine farthings a shirt now; for t'other women do things for eight.
MRS PLUNKET: And now for my turn - I say my hearty you must come and look at my house; the back part wants repairs. But my goodness how bad you do look. I'll send for the doctor - or I may chance to find our bargain come to an end before I want it. Run fetch the doctor.
ROSA: [Runs up and takes SNIGGERS hand] Oh dear uncle how grieved I am to see you look so ill, pray have the Doctor, dear, dear, what shall we do for him.
THE PEOPLE ON THE STAGE: [crowd round, exclaiming] How bad you look! Why you must be coming to your end! Give us something to go and drink to your recovery.
TOM: [Disguised as a Doctor rushes in and examines SNIGGERS]
DOCTOR: You are in a high state of fever. You must go to bed directly. Your life's in danger.
SNIGGERS: [frightened] Oh! dear, dear! Am I so ill?
PEOPLE: You look dreadful. Give us money to drink to your recovery.
SNIGGERS: Oh! Oh!
PEOPLE: You'll die if something is not done - let us go and drink - do a good deed before you die.
SNIGGERS: Well, well! ... no, no!
MRS PLUNKET: Yes, yes, it will ease your mind. [She hurries him away and calls out] Yes, he says yes. Go good people drink at his expense and eat too.
SNIGGERS: [calls out] No, no.
MRS PLUNKET: [Calls loudly] Yes he says you may. [Exeunt PEOPLE.]
DOCTOR: I'll set him to rights presently. Here. [takes a bottle out of his pocket and holds up] Here's a mystification for the senses, this is the elixir vitae that cures all the diseases.
SNIGGERS: I'll have none of it. You may take yourself and your bottle off, the sooner the better. I want no Doctor. I am well enough.
MRS PLUNKET: You are very bad; you are going to faint. Is there no arm-chair for you to rest your old bones in? [looks round] No, not a bit of one, in this wretched old barn of a place. Run and fetch an arm-chair from my house. [The SERVANT and CHILDREN disappear and reenter with a large arm-chair in which the DOCTOR places SNIGGERS.]
DOCTOR: There, my good sir. I will make you feel as paceable and comfortable as a lamb. Now then take a sniff at my blessed little bottle, there! [Administers chloroform]
MRS PLUNKET: There, depend upon it, you will be a stout man in no time at all, at all. Dr O'Leary is a wonderful man, a rael jewel of a man, never such a Doctor heard of before or since the flood. I can speak for his knowledge.
DOCTOR: You are a very discreet woman my dear Mrs Plunket, you are speaking nothing more than the truth. It is miracles I have done with this little bottle, and my skill besides, have I not cut off people's legs and arms, aye, and heads, by the dozen Mrs Plunket, and sure they have never felt it at all, at all but were all the better afterwards. And when the breath has just been taking leave of the body hav'nt I brought it back again, you may depend upon it I am a rael wonder. [Turning to SNIGGERS] Don't you see he is asleep like a lamb now.
ROSA: Hush. Don't speak so loud you'll rouse him.
MRS PLUNKET: No no. Sure he is as sound as a doormouse. [Makes a sign to the DOCTOR to search him. At the same time whispers to the servant, and children who disappear then reenter with candlesticks, silver teapot, cream cloths and silver spoons.]
DOCTOR: [Takes Out of SNIGGERS' pocket his key, gives it MRS PLUNKET] Am not I quite a magician my dear lady, perhaps. [feeling him again] I may make some more discoveries by my extraordinary powers. Ah ha! What have we here. [draws out a watch] Nobody but such a clever fellow as myself could have found this. It was buried so snug in a secret pocket. Come here my darling. [beckoning ROSA] Look here. This shall be yours my jewel.[DOCTOR examining it] 'Tis a jewel worthy of you my dear, a rael gold repeater. Could not cost a farthing less than 50 guineas. Here take it my dear, 'tis worthy your bright eyes to look upon. [Whispers to ROSA]
ROSA: No, no, I will not take it. Put it back again.
DOCTOR: Only to play the old gent a trick my dear.
ROSA: Oh, he will be tricked enough; replace that.
DOCTOR: Well, the women always will have their way. [Replaces the watch about SNIGGERS' person.]
MRS PLUNKET: Now Doctor, I have my trick to do. [Has the chests brought forward.] Are ye sure he is fast. [Opens with the key.]
DOCTOR: By my troth as fast as a house. [The MAID and CHILDREN bring forward the articles which MRS PLUNKET and the DOCTOR place in the chests.]
ROSA: You are as cunning as you are skilled.
DOCTOR: [From time to time looking at the patient.] Oh 'tis excellent fun this, a fine invention, a real mystification. There never was such a joke. We are the folks for a good trick. Have not I all the ready wit of my country my dear lady; and haven't you ground your wits on the best grindstone in the kingdom? Hurrah. [The CHILDREN and MAID and ROSA all laugh]
MRS PLUNKET: Locking the boxes: There now, trust me for a good plotter as well as yourself, Doctor. Here, replace the key and put mine in too in the old gentleman's pocket. [To SERVANT and CHILDREN] Replace the chests and boxes.
DOCTOR: [Puts back the key into SNIGGERS' pocket] There we have done a good job, haven't we, my darling. Come. [Taking ROSA'S hand] Let us have a little bit of love-making for a minute or two.
ROSA: [Rather pulling back] No no, we shall rouse him.
[MRS PLUNKET and the CHILDREN whisper apart. After a little time they exit.]
DOCTOR: Never fear my darling, I know my business too well to disturb the old cove; he'll come to of himself presently.
ROSA: You deserve success, Doctor, for your cleverness.
DOCTOR: If I get you my jewel, you will be the greatest prize of all, and won't we make the miser's money spin and ...
ROSA: [Laughing] If you get it.
DOCTOR: Oh we're sure of it, sure of it. [Taking her hand] And what a smart dress my pretty Rosa shall have for her wedding, won't she look like a sunbeam sparkling on the dew drops, and then what a feast we shall have, and how all our friends and neighbors will look at and admire the lovely bride.
ROSA: [Laughing] La Doctor, your tongue runs before your wit. Our bird is not in our hand yet.
DOCTOR: Trust me for cajoling the stingy old chap, but see he is coming to himself. [DOCTOR advances to SNIGGERS and takes his hand]
DOCTOR: Well Mr Sniggers how are you now. Are you recovered from your fainting fit?
SNIGGERS: [Looking round] I am well enough; there's nothing the matter with me. I wish you would leave me alone. I don't want any Doctor. Devil take you! [Half-rising] Get along with you!
DOCTOR: [Putting him back in the chair] You must not get up yet; you will be ill again. [SERVANT enters, gives bills to the DOCTOR who reads their contents. To SNIGGERS] Here are some trades-peoples' bills for you to listen to, Mr Sniggers.
ROSA: Dear Doctor, don't fatigue uncle with bills now.
SNIGGERS: Bills! what do you mean? Bills, I have no bills. [Trying to rise but prevented by the DOCTOR] I owe nobody any money. I have no money. poor creature, I ... I ...
DOCTOR: Come, come Mr Sniggers, you know better than that.
ROSA: You know dear Uncle you kindly gave the poor people something to drink, and eat, to your better health.
SNIGGERS: I know nothing about it, 'tis all imposition. I've not been ill. I never gave anybody anything to eat or drink in my life, 'tis all a lie. [Pushes his hat and cap up.]
ROSA: Don't fuss yourself so, dear unkey. There, let me put your dear little hat and your innocent cap straight. There. [Arranges his hat and cap]
SNIGGERS: Let me alone, girl. I think you are at the bottom of all my trouble. The women always are. If you'll drive these people away from me, I'll say something to ye.
DOCTOR: Now Mr Sniggers, 'tis all true; here is the Publicans bill - liquors drank to your health, and here's the baker's bill, bread eaten to your recovery. And here we have the butcher's bill, meat for the same amiable purpose. And the ...
SNIGGERS: [Stamping with rage, and trying to be heard] 'Tis a lie, all lies; no such thing. Devil take you, and take you all!
DOCTOR: [Holds him by the arm] Here, the grocer's bill, tea and sugar, and pudding plums, all on the same account, the Tobacconist's bill, you have been smoked too. Finest. Havannahs and choicest snuffs.
SNIGGERS: Am I in Bedlam! What does all this mean?
DOCTOR: Why, that you are to pay these bills.
ROSA: These are the accounts, dear uncle, of what the poor people had when we thought you were a'dying - the treat you gave them Uncle dear!
SNIGGERS: Treat! An imposition! A lie! I am tricked! I am fooled. I'll not pay a farthing.
ROSA: Oh yes you will, dear uncle. Then your mind will be at ease.
SNIGGERS: My mind at ease when I have money to pay. I'm not quite mad yet, but you will soon drive me so - mind at ease ... [Enter in haste MRS PLUNKET, SERVANT and CHILDREN]
DOCTOR: Well, well old gentleman, you must pay them, whether you are mad or not!
MRS PLUNKET: [To SNIGGERS] You old scoundrel - you old villain, you've robbed me. You have got some goods of mine secreted (on) you.
SNIGGERS: Why what game is this?
MRS PLUNKET: Game! It is a pretty game to rob me of my silver gilt candlesticks, my chased tea pot, my cream jug, and silver spoons - heirlooms that have been in my family for countless ages - are you not ashamed of yourself, you old thief.
DOCTOR: What a scandal, what a shame.
ROSA: Oh, it never can be.
SNIGGERS: [Storms and raves in a great rage] I know nothing of your goods, woman - what do you mean by accusing me?
MRS PLUNKET: Ay ay, it is no use blustering and storming after this fashion; you have stolen my property and I'll have justice.
SNIGGERS: Woman, I tell you I have not.
DOCTOR: Come, come, Mr Sniggers. I shall see this good lady righted. Confess at once, or we must have your house searched.
SNIGGERS: You may search as much as you like. I have nothing but ...
MRS PLUNKET: I tell you, you have. Where are they hid? Out with the key of your treasures, and let us search among them.
SNIGGERS: No, no, no! I know nothing about your goods.
MRS PLUNKET: You were at my house last night, and were you not left alone where my closet is - and did you not steal my candlesticks, my tea pot, my cream jug, my spoons - and the key too? Ah! You turn white, and you tremble, you old villain.
SNIGGERS: It is all false!
MRS PLUNKET: True as that you stand there looking like an old scarecrow. Come forward Sally (to her servant). [SERVANT advances] Did you not see, and are you not ready to swear, that you saw that old sinner go out of my house last night, with something tucked up under his cloak?
SERVANT: Yes ma'am.
SNIGGERS: You lie, you false jade.
DOCTOR: Now, Mr Sniggers, I shall send for the Police - this gets a serious matter. Go call the Police in. [To servant] This is a disgraceful business indeed. Produce your key, we must search your chests.
[Enter two POLICEMEN. DOCTOR orders the police to bring forward the chests and boxes.]
ROSA: Oh dear, dear, it never can be true.
MRS PLUNKET: Come, produce your key, old gentleman.
SNIGGERS: [Feeling in his pockets] I have no key. [He feels again and draws forth two. He looks terrified]
MRS PLUNKET: [Snatching the keys] My keys as I am alive, and this, [Handing the other to the POLICE] is no doubt the key of his strong boxes. Open [The boxes are searched and Mrs Plunket's goods discovered]
SNIGGERS: The devil! [Aside] Is it possible? Can I have done this? Have I been in a delirium?
MRS PLUNKET: As I live! My silver gilt candlesticks, my chased teapot, my cream jug, and my silver spoons. [This said as the articles are handed out by POLICE]
DOCTOR: [To SNIGGERS] A pretty discovery indeed. You must march off to prison for this lark, my old gentleman:
SNIGGERS: And leave my treasures! I had rather die first - ah! ... ah!
DOCTOR: Why you old niggard! What use is your treasure to you now? Besides, you must be punished for your robbery.
ROSA: [Running up to MRS PLUNKET] Oh dear Mrs Plunket, if Uncle pays you a handsome sum of money down, will you let him off going to prison?
MRS PLUNKET: Well, as he is an old man, if he will pay down £200 for his poor brother, discharge the tradespeoples' bills and give a marriage portion of £500 for his niece, I will excuse his going to prison.
DOCTOR: Very good, very handsome, on your part Mrs Plunket, come bring paper and pen and ink. [The articles are presented] Now Mr Sniggers you have heard Mrs Plunket's demand.
SNIGGERS: No, no, I can't. I won't. I have not stolen her goods. I ...
DOCTOR: Not stolen her goods? Why, look there, you old thief! come sign this paper. £200 for your brother and £500 for your niece. She is going to be married (to) a very fine steady young fellow. Now are you ready?
SNIGGERS: No no ... I ... I ...
DOCTOR: Then, Police, do your duty. Off with him to prison! [POLICE each take an arm of SNIGGERS.]
ROSA: Think of the disgrace, Uncle.
DOCTOR: Well, once more, I ask you, do you consent?
SNIGGERS: Oh dear, dear, well ah, ah - if it must be - oh ... [Signs the paper and gives it to the DOCTOR who slips off his disguise and appears as TOM STRAPPER.]
TOM: Thank you Mr Sniggers, you've done a good deed; now, [takes ROSA'S hand] you have made two fond hearts happy. Long life to ye.
ROSA: [Embraces the miser.] Thanks, thank you, uncle. We will do all we can to make you happy.
SNIGGERS: Happy ... Ah ... well, my gold never made me so. I have lived too much for myself. For the future my care shall be to live for my friends and the public. [Bowing to the audience]