THE ENVOY. That doesnt matter. I dont know yet. We will find a question all right enough. The oracle can foresee the future: we cannot. [Thunder]. What does that mean? What have I done now?
ZOO. [severely] How often must you be told that we cannot foresee the future? There is no such thing as the future until it is the present.
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. Allow me to point out, madam, that when the Potterbill party sent to consult the oracle fifteen years ago, the oracle prophesied that the Potterbills would be victorious at the General Election; and they were. So it is evident that the oracle can foresee the future, and is sometimes willing to reveal it.
THE ENVOY. Quite true. Thank you, Poppa. I appeal now, over your head, young woman, direct to the August Oracle, to repeat the signal favor conferred on my illustrious predecessor, Sir Fuller Eastwind, and to answer me exactly as he was answered.
The oracle raises her hands to command silence.
ALL. Sh-sh-sh!
Invisible trombones utter three solemn blasts in the manner of Die Zauberflöte.
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. May I—
ZOO [quickly] Hush. The oracle is going to speak.
THE ORACLE. Go home, poor fool.