THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN.  But you forget that the answers of the oracle cannot be kept secret or misrepresented.  They are written and promulgated.  The Leader of the Opposition can obtain copies.  All the nations know them.  Secret diplomacy has been totally abolished.

ZOO.  Yes:  you publish documents; but they are garbled or forged.  And even if you published our real answers it would make no difference, because the shortlived cannot interpret the plainest writings.  Your scriptures command you in the plainest terms to do exactly the contrary of everything your own laws and chosen rulers command and execute.  You cannot defy Nature.  It is a law of Nature that there is a fixed relation between conduct and length of life.

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN.  No, no, no.  I had much rather discuss your intention of withdrawing from the Conservative party.  How the Conservatives have tolerated your opinions so far is more than I can imagine:  I can only conjecture that you have contributed very liberally to the party funds. [He picks up his hat, and sits down again].

ZOO.  Do not babble so senselessly:  our chief political controversy is the most momentous in the world for you and your like.

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [interested] Indeed?  Pray, may I ask what it is?  I am a keen politician, and may perhaps be of some use. [He puts on his hat, cocking it slightly].

ZOO.  We have two great parties:  the Conservative party and the Colonization party.  The Colonizers are of opinion that we should increase our numbers and colonize.  The Conservatives hold that we should stay as we are, confined to these islands, a race apart, wrapped up in the majesty of our wisdom on a soil held as holy ground for us by an adoring world, with our sacred frontier traced beyond dispute by the sea.  They contend that it is our destiny to rule the world, and that even when we were shortlived we did so.  They say that our power and our peace depend on our remoteness, our exclusiveness, our separation, and the restriction of our numbers.  Five minutes ago that was my political faith.  Now I do not think there should be any shortlived people at all. [She throws herself again carelessly on the sacks].

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN.  Am I to infer that you deny my right to live because I allowed myself—­perhaps injudiciously—­to give you a slight scolding?

ZOO.  Is it worth living for so short a time?  Are you any good to yourself?

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [stupent] Well, upon my soul!

ZOO.  It is such a very little soul.  You only encourage the sin of pride in us, and keep us looking down at you instead of up to something higher than ourselves.

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN.  Is not that a selfish view, madam?  Think of the good you do us by your oracular counsels!

THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN.  I have never heard of any such law, madam.

ZOO.  Well, you are hearing of it now.