1–2
Lycinus
Are you the man whose scent is so keen for a blunder, and who is himself blunder-proof?
Purist
I think I may say so.
Lycinus
I suppose one must be blunder-proof, to detect the man who is not so?
Lycinus
Do I understand that you are proof?
5
Purist
How could I call myself educated, if I made blunders at my age?
Lycinus
Well, shall you be able to detect a culprit, and convict him if he denies it?
Purist
Of course I shall.
Lycinus
Catch me out, then; I will make one just now.
Lycinus
Why, the deed is done, and you have missed it.
Purist
You are joking, of course?
Lycinus
No, upon my honour. The blunder is made, and you none the wiser. Well, try again; but you are not infallible on these sort of things.
Lycinus
Again, the blunder made, and you unconscious.
15
Purist
How can that be, before you have opened your lips?
Lycinus
Oh yes, I opened them, and to a blunder; but you never see them. I quite doubt you seeing this one even.
Purist
Well, there is something very queer about it if I do not know a solecism when I hear it.
Lycinus
One begins to doubt, when a man has missed three.
Purist
Three? What do you mean?
