CONFUCIUS. Were it otherwise, the Government would have too much to do to think.
BURGE-LUBIN. Is that any excuse for the English people electing a parliament of lunatics?
CONFUCIUS. The English people always did elect parliaments of lunatics. What does it matter if your permanent officials are honest and competent?
BURGE-LUBIN. You do not know the history of this country. What would my ancestors have said to the menagerie of degenerates that is still called the House of Commons? Confucius: you will not believe me; and I do not blame you for it; but England once saved the liberties of the world by inventing parliamentary government, which was her peculiar and supreme glory.
CONFUCIUS. I know the history of your country perfectly well. It proves the exact contrary.
BURGE-LUBIN. How do you make that out?
CONFUCIUS. The only power your parliament ever had was the power of withholding supplies from the king.
BURGE-LUBIN. Precisely. That great Englishman Simon de Montfort—
CONFUCIUS. He was not an Englishman: he was a Frenchman. He imported parliaments from France.
BURGE-LUBIN [surprised] You dont say so!