"Take myself," Timmis would say. "Can there be any sense in a world which condemns me to play the Demon King in an idiotic pantomime, or indeed in a world which demands, indulges, encourages, delights in such driveling nonsense as that same pantomime?" "There is room for everything in the world, which is very large," replied Old Mole. "Then why are men starved, physically, morally and spiritually?" "The universe," came the reply, between two long puffs of a cigar, "was not made for man, but man was made for the universe." (This was an impromptu, but Old Mole often recurred to it, and indeed declared that his philosophy dated from that day and that utterance.) "But why was the universe made?" "Certainly not from human motives and not in terms of human understanding. To hear you talk one would think the whole creation was in a state of decomposition." "So it is. That is its motive force, an irresistible rotting away into nothing. I don't believe anything but decomposition could produce that pantomime." "The pantomime is so small a thing that I think it impossible for it to be visibly affected by any universal process. It is simply a human contrivance for the amusement of human beings, and you must admit that it succeeds in its purpose." "It has no purpose. It succeeds in spite of its stupidity by sheer force of the amiable cleverness of an overpaid buffoon and the charm and physical attractions of two or three young women." Old Mole was forced to admit the justice of this criticism, and to drive it home Timmis recited the eight lines with which in the cave scene he introduced the ballet: _Now Sinbad's wrecked and nearly drowned, you see. He thinks he's saved, but has to deal with me. I'll wreck him yet and rack his soul as well-- A shipwrecked sailor suits my purpose fell. I'll catch his soul and make it mine for aye And he'll be sorry he ever stepped this way. But who comes here to brave my cave's dark night? Aha! Oh, curse! It is the Fairy Light._ Matilda had been listening to them, and she said: "Doesn't she look lovely when she comes on all in white? Such a pretty voice she has, too." "You like the pantomime, my dear?" "Oh, yes!" "Could you say why?" "It's pretty and gay, and it's wonderful to hear the people in that great big place laughing and singing the choruses." "You see, Timmis, the pantomime has justified its existence." "But what on earth has it got to do with Sinbad?" "Nothing. Why should it? Sinbad is an Eastern tale. The pantomime is an English institution. It reflects the English character. It is heavy, solid, gross, over-colored, disconnected, illogical and unimaginative. On the other hand, it is humorous, discreetly sensual, varied and full of physical activity. It affords plenty to listen to and nothing to hear, plenty to look at and nothing to see, and it is like one of those Christmas puddings which quickly make the body feel overfed and provide it with no food."