And for the first time some of those who even feared him realised with a qualm that this was the last "first-night" on which he would be there to make the usual speech.
"Gentlemen," he said, "we are all glad to be back in the old place," (cheers).

"At any rate I am," (loud cheers).

"On first-night, as you know, we always combine business with pleasure.

We have just had the pleasure," (laughter, in the midst of which Fisher minor pricked up his ears and wondered if his song wasn't going to be appreciated after all).
"The lambs have bleated and done their level best, I'm sure," (renewed laughter, and cries of "How now ?").

"Now for the business.