University of Virginia Library

Scene II.—A public promenade. Persons of all classes passing. Orval in conversation with a Philosopher.
Philosopher.
Trust me, my lord! I never am deceived.
When I speak positively I have grounds
For what I say. And I repeat,—the time
Approaches, when we shall emancipate
Women and negroes.

Orval.
Ah, . . . . you think . . .

Philosopher.
I know it.
The countenance of Humanity is about
To assume new features. All that we behold
Implies amelioration, the approach
Of a more perfect social epoch. Yes,
Society must regenerate itself
By the elimination of decrepit forms.

Orval.
You think so?

Philosopher.
Surely, even as this old globe
We all inhabit, in its progress round
The central light . . .

Orval.
See you that rotten tree
Yonder?

Philosopher.
Where?

Orval.
There.

Philosopher.
What? with the green leaves budding
Upon the wither'd bark?

Orval.
The same. How many
Years longer, should you say, that tree can stand?

Philosopher.
How can I tell? One . . . two, perhaps.

Orval.
And yet
Although the roots be rotten, the trunk touchwood,
Fit only for the fire,—young leaves are budding
Upon the wither'd branch. Do you mark it?

Philosopher.
Well,
What does that signify?

Orval.
Nay, sir, I know not.
Save that the tree must fall, and be reduced
To powder, which the winds of heaven will soon
Sweep from the surface of the earth.

Philosopher.
What then?
My lord, you are wandering from the subject-matter.

Orval.
I? on the contrary. I was but seeking
An image of this age: an illustration
Of you, sir, and your theories.

Philosopher.
Well, I say . . .

(They pass.)