(_They wave their feet or hands, as the case may be._) NOXUS PODUNKUS (_Rising on one elbow and rubbing his eyes._) What! What! More? What have we here? The Union Astronomers, you say? The Federated College Philosophers? Excellent! A fine body of men, indeed! And, as you say, the universe _is_ moral. Very, very, very moral. One of the most moral universes I have ever known. (_Scratches an ear and sinks into his cushions, but the nearest Dizzards lift him up._) SHISHMASH HASH HASH (_Excitedly touching his toes with his hands nine times._) The Questions, your Noble Referendunce! The Sacred Questions! NOXUS PODUNKUS (_Heavily and benignly._) Ah, yes! Ah, yes! The Sacred Questions! It is not intention, but memory, that seems to fail me. Quite so--the Sacred Questions! (_He takes one of fifty plates offered him and examines it closely._) Ah yes! Here it is! One of the most significant and wonderful questions that has ever been planned, I think, to ease our minds and comfort us. (_Reads._) Question Nine: “Is it not true that the universe is ordained for Truth, Justice, Virtue, Mercy, Tenderness, Purity?” (_His voice trails off in utter exhaustion._) THE SEVEN THOUSAND UNION ASTRONOMERS (_Doing a light come-all-ye and waving red bandana handkerchiefs._) It is! It is! We know! We know! The stars we see, they tell us so! THE FOUR THOUSAND COLLEGE PHILOSOPHERS (_Masticating their gum vigorously._) It is! It is! Hail, loud and long! Our works, they sing the same sweet song! (_Loud and prolonged cheering by the audience. Wirelesses are sent to the waiting world. The Dizzards gnaw excitedly at their feather-clubs, then do a double-quick clog. The two thousand Loobies and Gaberlunzies read many, many soothing passages. The Nizys dole out souffle._) NOXUS PODUNKUS (_Biting his nails and crossing his legs._) So! Quite so! The stars tell us! It couldn’t be different! And now, my dears (_sighs from weariness_), for the Tenth Great Question--one of those beautiful things that I always love to read and re-read. The most important one, I always think, in so far as astronomy is concerned, that has ever been devised. A Question so perfect that, when we pause to consider its absolute truthfulness and perfection, answers fully--oh, so fully!--all our astronomical needs. (_Reads._) “Are not the stars maintained in their courses in order that man may progress and be moral?” (_He contemplates a fly which has lit on the end of his nose._) THE UNION ASTRONOMERS (_Juggling their telescopes after the manner of a shillalah and doing a come-all-ye._) They are! They are! The stars, they say That man to truth is on his way! THE COLLEGE PHILOSOPHERS (_Catching hands and dancing around in a circle._) The Universe was made for man-- And man for good, by God’s dear plan! (_They slap each other on the back._) NOXUS PODUNKUS