Mercury, Charon, Momus, and
Psyche.
PHILOSOPHER. Who are you?
MERCURY. We are the gods returning.
PHILOSOPHER. [Very definitely indeed.] There are no gods. Though from time
to time it has been necessary to invent them.
PANTALOON. Why, it's my friend, the philosopher!
PHILOSOPHER. Pardon me. Nothing so unpractical. I am a Political Economist.
I write Blue Books. I make laws.
MERCURY. Can you row us over?
PHILOSOPHER. What a question! I have established several rowing academies.
I know how rowing is done. But, as a matter of fact, I cannot row. Still
it's of little consequence, for the boat was given to a museum some time
ago. Besides, the latest theories tell us that there is no other side.
CLOWN. Ain't there? Well, I'm going to swim and see.
PHILOSOPHER. Pardon me, bathing is not allowed in the Styx.
CLOWN. Ain't it?
[Off tumbles Momus, and you hear him splash in the river. The Political
Economist has risen indignantly. Under the bench, dusty and neglected,
Psyche spies something.
Pages:
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91