A public square. Ladies and gentlemen. A Philosophe. The Man.
Philosophe. I repeat to you, that it is my irresistible conviction that the hour has come for the emancipation of negroes and women.
The Man. I agree with you fully.
Philosophe. And as a change so great in the constitution of society, both in general and particular, stands so immediately before us, I deduce from such a revolution the complete destruction of old forms and formulas, and the regeneration of the whole human family.
The Man. Do you really think so?
Philosophe. Just as our earth, by a sudden change in the inclination of its axis, might rotate more obliquely ...
The Man. Do you see this hollow tree?
Philosophe. With tufts of new leaves sprouting forth from the lower branches?
The Man. Yes. How much longer do you think it can continue to stand?
Philosophe. I cannot tell; perhaps a year or two longer.