At this the people shouted, “Go on, go on!”
The monkey leaped up on to the dwarf’s shoulder, and the dwarf proceeded, with the greatest gravity.
“I, Buffo, chief counselor to his most gracious majesty, King Fatchaps, do call upon you to hearken to the voice of Wisdom!”
“Wisdom! That’s good!” laughed the crowd,—never ceasing to rub their palms and dance up and down the while.
“First I must tell you, my loyal subjects, that you are all mad. Do you believe it?”
“Yes! yes! Of course!” shouted the crowd, still laughing.
“Give ear, and I will prove it to you! Thus! Answer me! Isn’t there enough in our city for all, to feed you and clothe you and shelter you and amuse you? Answer!”
“True!” cried many persons in the throng.
“Then why are there some among you who starve, and others who cast out of their abundance to the dogs? Tell me that!”
No one replied.