_] Yes.
TREBELL. Oh, the old unnecessary choice ... Wisdom or Virtue. We all think
we must make it ... and we all discover we can't. But if you've to choose
between Cantelupe and me, Horsham, I quite see you've no choice.
HORSHAM _now takes the field, using his own weapons._
HORSHAM. Charles, it seems to me that we are somewhat in the position of men
who have overheard a private conversation. Do you feel justified in making
public use of it?
CANTELUPE. It is not I who am judge. God knows I would not sit in judgment
upon anyone.
TREBELL. Cantelupe, I'll take your personal judgment if you can give it me.
FARRANT. Good Lord, Cantelupe, didn't you sit in a cabinet with ... Well,
we're not here to rake up old scandals.
BLACKBOROUGH. I am concerned with the practical issue.
HORSHAM. We know, Blackborough. [_Having quelled the interruption he
proceeds._] Charles, you spoke, I think, of a mortal sin.
CANTELUPE. In spite of your lifted eyebrows at the childishness of the word.
HORSHAM. Theoretically, we must all wish to guide ourselves by eternal
truths. But you would admit, wouldn't you, that we can only deal with
temporal things?
CANTELUPE. [_Writhing slightly under the sceptical cross-examination._]
There are divine laws laid down for our guidance ... I admit no disbelief in
them.
HORSHAM. Do they place any time-limit to the effect of a mortal sin? If this
affair were twenty years old would you do as you are doing? Can you forecast
the opinion you will have of it six months hence?
CANTELUPE.
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