Befool their judgment; which may honest be. And hence 'twere better from abroad to bring More open minds to fill important posts For the brief time until we do depart And leave all matters in thy trusty hands Which will upbuild a strong, Yea! mighty state. _(Seldonskip aside):_ A mighty state! Ha! Ho! I think I see The natives jumping round from tree to tree Feeding on coconuts and dressed with old Plug hats and wearing coats of Tam'ny cut! _Quezox:_ 'Twere well! Those vultures who among us dwell, While pleading loving friendship, shrewdly plan Like to the feathered tribes, to gather down _(Walks out):_ From careless wings to feather their own nests. _(Francos turning to Seldonskip):_ I must in candor voice my perturbed thoughts Anent the strained relation which doth seem To liken to a ship with cable taut Which surging waves are threat'ning quick to snap. Twixt thee and Quezox. Thou, mine eye doth speak, Art like dry powder, ready to ignite When Quezox looseth tongue which like a flint Doth spark the fuse to quick explosion work. _Seldonskip:_ But on my life if he should touch the fuse He'd mighty quick know that there's "something doing." _(Francos appealingly):_ O, Peace, sweet Peace, I pray thee to draw near And hover o'er me, lest I go distraught. ACT V Dramatis Personae _Francos_ . . . . . . _Governor General of a Province._ _Quezox_ . . . . . . _Resident Delegate of the Province._ _Bonset_ . . . . . . _Secretary of the Governor._ _Halstrom_ . . . . . _Aide to the Governor._ _Carpen_ . . . . . . _Executive Secretary._ _Two Gentlemen._ _Delegation of Englishmen._ _First Scene: Governor Office._