- This friendly Englishman -
this branch of Mudcombe - this head-purveyor of Goldborough - this
possible policeman of Bedfordshire, is recounting his achievements,
and the number of his titles.
Pasha. - The end of his honours is more distant than the ends of the
earth, and the catalogue of his glorious deeds is brighter than the
firmament of heaven!
Dragoman (to the traveller). - The Pasha congratulates your
Excellency.
Traveller. - About Goldborough? The deuce he does! - but I want to
get at his views in relation to the present state of the Ottoman
Empire. Tell him the Houses of Parliament have met, and that there
has been a speech from the throne, pledging England to preserve the
integrity of the Sultan's dominions.
Dragoman (to the Pasha). - This branch of Mudcombe, this possible
policeman of Bedfordshire, informs your Highness that in England
the talking houses have met, and that the integrity of the Sultan's
dominions has been assured for ever and ever by a speech from the
velvet chair.
Pasha. - Wonderful chair! Wonderful houses! - whirr! whirr! all by
wheels! - whiz! whiz! all by steam! - wonderful chair! wonderful
houses! wonderful people! - whirr! whirr! all by wheels! - whiz!
whiz! all by steam!
Traveller (to the dragoman). - What does the Pasha mean by that
whizzing? he does not mean to say, does he, that our Government
will ever abandon their pledges to the Sultan?
Dragoman. - No, your Excellency; but he says the English talk by
wheels, and by steam.
