Discernment do fierce gripe me with the fear
That in the rambling words this youth hath tongued
Much bitter truth may deeply hidden be.
_Francos:_ Fear not! Caesar hath wise discerned that all
Who long have on these Islands made their home
Are blinded by self-interest, which doth,
As colored glass speaks lies unto the eye,
Befool their judgment; which may honest be.
And hence 'twere better from abroad to bring
More open minds to fill important posts
For the brief time until we do depart
And leave all matters in thy trusty hands
Which will upbuild a strong, Yea! mighty state.

_(Seldonskip aside):_ A mighty state! Ha! Ho! I think I see
The natives jumping round from tree to tree
Feeding on coconuts and dressed with old
Plug hats and wearing coats of Tam'ny cut!
_Quezox:_ 'Twere well! Those vultures who among us dwell,
While pleading loving friendship, shrewdly plan
Like to the feathered tribes, to gather down
_(Walks out):_ From careless wings to feather their own nests.
_(Francos turning to Seldonskip):_
I must in candor voice my perturbed thoughts
Anent the strained relation which doth seem
To liken to a ship with cable taut
Which surging waves are threat'ning quick to snap.
Twixt thee and Quezox. Thou, mine eye doth speak,
Art like dry powder, ready to ignite
When Quezox looseth tongue which like a flint
Doth spark the fuse to quick explosion work.
_Seldonskip:_ But on my life if he should touch the fuse
He'd mighty quick know that there's "something doing."
_(Francos appealingly):_
O, Peace, sweet Peace, I pray thee to draw near
And hover o'er me, lest I go distraught.

ACT V

Dramatis Personae

_Francos_ . . . . . . _Governor General of a Province._
_Quezox_ . . . . . . _Resident Delegate of the Province._
_Bonset_ . . . . . . _Secretary of the Governor._
_Halstrom_ . . . . . _Aide to the Governor._
_Carpen_ . . . . . . _Executive Secretary._
_Two Gentlemen._
_Delegation of Englishmen._

_First Scene: Governor Office._

_Francos:_ When, as we tread the varied path of life,
Disaster dire deman