Monologue

Johnny Monologue from Misalliance

From Misalliance by Bernard Shaw

male · contemplative · 1:16 min

(who has pulled himself together) You did it on purpose. I wasnt quite myself: I needed a moment to pull round: thank you. (LORD SUMMERHAYS: Not at all. Is your father at home?) No: he's opening one of his free libraries. Thats another nice little penny gone. He's mad on reading. He promised another free library last week. It's ruinous. Itll hit you as well as me when Bunny marries Hypatia. When all Hypatia's money is thrown away on libraries, where will Bunny come in? Cant you stop him? (LORD SUMMERHAYS: I'm afraid not. Hes a perfect whirlwind. Indefatigable at public work. Wonderful man, I think.) Oh, public work! He does too much of it. It's really a sort of laziness, getting away from your own serious business to amuse yourself with other people's. Mind: I dont say there isnt another side to it. It has its value as an advertisement. It makes useful acquaintances and leads to valuable business connections. But it takes his mind off the main chance; and he overdoes it.

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