"I hope not," said Charalas fervently. "Yet they have some attributes we need."
"Have they anything we need?"
"They have the verve, the ambition, and unbeatability of youth. We, Elanane, are stodgy and slow and old."
"That doesn't please me too much."
"That's too bad. It's true. Look, Elanane, how long is our history compared to theirs?"
"Several hundred times as long, I believe."
"Not quite several hundred, Elanane. But long enough—far long enough to prove my statement. How does their scientific culture compare?"
"Somewhat less—"
"Equal! Or better perhaps!"
"Oh no."