Laughter, Roderick bristles.
RODERICK
Dr. Johnson, I think you misbehave most grossly, treating my opinions with no more respect than those of a schoolboy. You fancy, sir, you know a great deal more than me, because you quote your "Aristotle" and "Plato," but can you tell me which horse will win at Epsom Downs next week? Can you shoot the ace of spades ten times without missing? If so, talk about Aristotle and Plato with me.
BOSWELL
(roars)
Do you know who you're speaking to?!
JOHNSON
Hold your tongue, Mr. Boswell, I had no right to brag of my Greek, gentlemen, and he has answered me very well.
RODERICK
(pleased)
Do you know ever a rhyme for Aristotle?
GOLDSMITH
(laughing)
Port, if you please.
JOHNSON
Waiter, bring on of Captain James' rhymes for Aristotle.
RODERICK (V.O.)
And we had six rhymes for Aristotle before we left the coffee house that evening.
EARL OF CRABS
Henri, this is Mr. James Cosgrove, who wishes to arrange a dinner party next week for sixty guests.
HENRI
I am at your service, Mr. Cosgrove. How much do you wish to spend?
RODERICK
As much as possible.
HENRI
As much as possible?
RODERICK
Yes, for I wish to entertain splendidly.
HENRI
All the same, you must name an amount.
RODERICK
It is entirely up to you. I want the best.
EARL OF CRABS
May I suggest five hundred guineas?
RODERICK
Will that be enough?
HENRI
Last month, the Duke of Suffolk spent no more.
RODERICK
All right, five hundred guineas.
Roderick is seated at a large table, stacked high with bills and letters; his accountant is seated next to him, aided by a bookkeeper. Roderick looks at each bill and his accountant explains the charge.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The life I was leading was that of a happy man, but I was not happy.
Roderick, walking with big strides, leads Brookside by his ear. Little Patrick runs alongside, pleading for his brother.
PATRICK
Papa, please don't flog Brookside today. It wasn't his fault -really is wasn't.
Roderick ignores him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
By now, young Brookside was of so wild, savage, and insubordinate a nature that I never had the least regard for him. As he grew up to be a man, his hatred for me assumed an intensity quite wicked to think of and which, I promise you, I returned with interest.