Is it possible that such should be the hatred of men towards each other?
ANGEL.
It is not hatred which has caused this universal destruction. One man has wished the death of another that he might succeed him in his riches; another has desired the decease of a friend that he might gain possession of his widow, being a beautiful woman. Some, indeed, wish the destruction of their friends from pure hatred, but the chief part of mankind would put others to death without the least anger or dislike. You may see, however, that the wishes of men interfere a little with each other, and that to comply with them all would not be the most humane way of governing the world.
MAHOMET.
I confess my error; but how is this loss to be repaired? Will God create a new race?
ANGEL.
No; I can recall these people to life. There! you see them start up, and resume their employments, quite unconscious of having been dead.
MAHOMET.
And I suppose they have again begun to wish each other dead with the same vigour as before.
ANGEL.