J. B. Priestley — An Inspector Calls - Birling

BIRLING- I thought you must be.I was an alderman for years- and Lord Mayor two years ago- and I`m still on the bench- so I know the Brumley police office pretty well- and I thought I`d never seen you before. (ACT 1) BIRLING: Thanks. But it’s a bit too early for that. So don’t say anything. But I’ve had a hint or two. You see, I was Lord Mayor here two years ago when royalty visited us. And I’ve always regarded as a sound useful party man (act 1 page 8) BIRLING just let finish, Eric you’ve got a lot to learn. BIRLING I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business. BIRLING I say they isn’t a chance of war. BIRLING we may look forward to the time Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing. BIRLING I like myself a good cigar BIRLING forty six thousand eight hundred tons…every luxury – and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable BIRLING: Rubish! If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth. BIRLING still, i can't accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody.