human
Blessed Saint, ladies and gentlemen. At its last meeting the temporary committee of organisation arrived at the following decision: 'Whereas from time immemorial, those of the elect who are of British origin have made fruitless complaints on the subject of the treatment which they meet with in Paradise, the committee decides upon holding a meeting of the said elect to take into consideration the best means of putting an end to such a regrettable state of things, a state of things which threatens to disturb the harmony of these blessed realms.'
gpt
I call upon Miss Evvins to address the meeting.
human
Against the fact that all nations seem to reign here, we have nothing to say. That the divine mercy should embrace even the most irreligious people, we can comprehend, and we bow to such a decision; but when we see people who were converted by our own paid missionaries, for instance, occupying places here higher than our own, and treated with respect that is not bestowed upon ourselves, we think it our duty to protest against such a state of things. If each one is to be rewarded according to his work we certainly do not receive our due. We might as well be mere Zulus.
gpt
My ancestors, it is true, practised virtue; but I can assure the honourable speaker, that since we made the acquaintance of the English, we have not been much better than they.
human
Turn him out!
gpt
It is by persuasion, and not by violent means, that we wish to obtain redress for our grievances....
human
I ask to be allowed to say a few words.
gpt
We have drawn up a petition to this effect, which we shall ask you to sign, and which is worded as follows: 'Considering that the British nation is the most virtuous on earth, and that she alone sets an example to the world by her piety, her religious researches, her religious associations, her respect for petty nations, her chivalry towards oppressed peoples, her contempt for filthy lucre, her sobriety, and other no less virtuous qualities; the undersigned members of the great and glorious British family humbly ask that such virtue may receive the reward it deserves.'
human
I should like to propose an amendment, or rather to suggest a change in the wording of the petition that we have just heard read.
gpt
The Reverend Mr. Goodman will propose an amendment.
human
I asked leave to speak before the reverend gentleman.
gpt
We will hear you after.
human
I want to speak at once....
gpt
I tell you that....
human
I protest. It's a shame!
gpt
But I tell you, you shall....
human
I will speak all the same. You make a grand mistake, if you think my mouth is to be closed in that fashion. I can tell you all, that we shall obtain nothing by persuasion. Here, as well as in the world we have left, it is by strong measures and threats that one obtains one's ends.
gpt
You have already despised my authority. If you use threats, I shall refuse you permission to speak further....
human
It is a swindle!
gpt
Retract the word _swindle_. Do you imagine yourself in Seven Dials?
human
I shall retract nothing. If in a week's time, I am not placed on a throne resplendent with light, I shall make myself objectionable: I shall break the park railings, pull up the flowers, trample on the beds, and turn everything upside down.... I will keep you busy, I promise you. I have only just come.... I'll get up a meeting of my own, by-and-bye....
gpt
I order the expulsion of the interrupter.