human
May I ask what palace this is, and who rules upon this island?
gpt
Good sir, this is the Palace of Romance; and we have no ruler at all, each one of our number having equal power and authority with the others.
human
We pass our time, said another,
gpt
That is a fair requirement, replied John.
human
I think I shall like this Palace of Romance, although I do not know many tales.
gpt
The more tales you know the longer you may enjoy our palace,
human
How is that?
gpt
Our laws oblige us to destroy every stranger, after he has related to us all the stories he knows. It grieves us very much to tell you this; but the laws cannot be changed, and the death is very simple and without much pain. For you will be dropped through a trap into a long slide leading to the bottom of the sea; and it is said there is little discomfort in drowning.