Philip monologue (Act 4) — The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

Brutal, savage, inhuman! [_Halting and extending his arms._] And what's been her fault? She's dared to love me eagerly, impetuously, uncontrollably--_me_, a conceited, egotistical fellow who is no more worth her devotion than the pompous beast who opens her father's front-door! And because, out of her love, she commits a heedless, impulsive act which deals a blow at my rotten pride, I slap her face and turn my back upon her, and suffer her to leave my rooms as though she's a charwoman detected in prigging silver from my cash-box! [_Clasping his brow and groaning._] Oh--! [_In sudden fury at seeing_ ROOPE _thoughtfully examining his hat._] Damn it, Robbie, stop fiddling with your hat or you'll drive me crazy!