Summary
Highlights
The speaker expresses surprise at the protagonist, remarking on their difference from 'homegrown artists' and describing them as a 'powerful experience' and 'little flame'. The first stage of their process is observation.
The speaker mentions that 'Patience was good' and alludes to a 'freshly squeezed patience juice'. They suggest the protagonist is seen as an 'opportunity or a fellow artist', before inviting them to their place for a 'rather special planned' masterpiece.
The scene intensifies with a dramatic plea to 'speak before I drag the truth from your lips myself and paint you a new smile in blood'. Themes of being a 'dream' and a 'tastiest crumpet' are explored, highlighting the Toreador's captivating and dangerous nature.
The speaker questions if pretentiousness is natural for the protagonist, offering a drink and describing themselves as 'caviar' and 'diamonds in a champagne glass'. They state, 'I do not enjoy the taste of desperation', before a final, ominous interaction where the protagonist is called a 'monstrous thing'.