Oh, that speech of mine! For discursiveness, for repetition, for sheer inanity, I suppose it has never been equaled.

I droned steadily away, interrupted only by cries for fresh supplies of wine; as I went on the audience paid less and less attention.

It was past twelve.

The well of my eloquence was running drier and drier, and yet no sound outside! I wondered how long they would stand it and how long I could stand it.

At 12.15 I began my peroration.