The Geometrician: Alas! We are as ignorant as you. Apply to the Sorbonne.
[Dr. Pangloss and the Dervish]
In the neighborhood lived a very famous dervish, who was deemed the best philosopher in Turkey; him they went to consult. Pangloss was spokesman and addressed him thus:—
“Master, we come to beg you to tell us why so strange an animal as man has been formed?”
“Why do you trouble your head about it?” said the dervish; “is it any business of yours?”
“But, reverend father,” said Candide, “there is a horrible amount of evil on the earth.”
“What signifies it,” says the dervish, “whether there is evil or good? When His Highness sends a ship to Egypt does he trouble whether the rats aboard are comfortable or not?”
“What is to be done, then?” says Pangloss.
“Be silent,” answers the dervish.
“I flattered myself,” replied Pangloss, “to have reasoned a little with you on causes and effects, the best of possible worlds, the origin of evil, the nature of the soul, and on pre-established harmony.”