- [first lines]
- Compo: It's a long time since I've had custard.
- Blamire: Of course one's heart bleeds for you. But you'll never kick the habit if you keep dreaming about it.
- Compo: Read the paper; read the Happy Horoscope.
- Blamire: I do not encourage that kind of pagan rubbish.
- Compo: Come on! Let's be knowing what the stars have in store for me.
- Blamire: Well, it's bound to be a lot isn't it. I mean, look what they've done for you up to now.
- Compo: They've given me a sunny disposition.
- Blamire: Just as well with all those holes in your trousers.
- Compo: Me mum said the minute I were born the sun came out from behind a cloud and a starling on the next door coal-house roof started twittering.
- Blamire: Oh, yes. Little cosmic messages, eh? Not a word from your father I notice.
- Compo: That might not be custard; that could be paint.
- Blamire: What are you doing under there?
- Compo: Me rabbit's foot. I'm cleaning it.
- Blamire: If you've nothing more constructive to offer, kindly go outside and read the tailboard of some reversing lorry.