Mend. Then at least something.
Manr. Very, very little.
Mend. Then communicate this very, very little to me.
I. The Usefulness of Writing
Manr. First of all he said that it was thoroughly wonderful that you can comprise so great a variety of human sounds within so few written characters. Then, that absent friends are able to talk to one another by the aid of letters. He added that nothing seemed more marvellous in these islands recently discovered by the munificence of our kings, whence indeed gold is brought, than that men should be able to open up to one another what they think from a long distance by a piece of paper being sent with black stains marked on it. For the question was asked, Whether paper knew how to speak? He also said this, that, and many other things which I have forgotten.
Mend. How long did he speak?
Manr. Two hours.
Mend. And from so long an oration have you committed to memory so slight a portion as what you have just said?
Manr. I have indeed committed it to the charge of my memory, but my memory would not keep it all.