lord caversham. Certainly, and you well deserve it too. You have got what we want so much in political life nowadays—high character, high moral tone, high principles. [ To lord goring.] Everything that you have not got, sir, and never will have.
lord goring. I don’t like principles, father. I prefer prejudices.
[sir robert chiltern is on the brink of accepting the Prime Minister’s offer, when he sees wife looking at him with her clear, candid eyes. He then realises that it is impossible.]
sir robert chiltern. I cannot accept this offer, Lord Caversham. I have made up my mind to decline it.
lord caversham. Decline it, sir!
sir robert chiltern. My intention is to retire at once from public life.
lord caversham. [ Angrily.] Decline a seat in the Cabinet, and retire from publ
