“The pantomime is so small a thing that I think it impossible for it to be visibly affected by any universal process. It is simply a human contrivance for the amusement of human beings, and you must admit that it succeeds in its purpose.”
“It has no purpose. It succeeds in spite of its stupidity by sheer force of the amiable cleverness of an overpaid buffoon and the charm and physical attractions of two or three young women.”
Old Mole was forced to admit the justice of this criticism, and to drive it home Timmis recited the eight lines with which in the cave scene he introduced the ballet:
Now Sinbad’s wrecked and nearly drowned, you see.
He thinks he’s saved, but has to deal with me.
I’ll wreck him yet and rack his soul as well—
A shipwrecked sailor suits my purpose fell.
I’ll catch his soul and make it mine for aye
And he’ll be sorry he ever stepped this way.