om full,
A plank within our platform did insert
That our good ships which coastwise trade would ply
Should float as free as sea-gull on the wing
Through that deep channel, by our cunning wrought,
Which links Pacific's waters to the Gulf,
I, fool-like, did him earnestly applaud!
Again my soul in bitterness doth surge
Because from distant Isles the lightning brings
Dire words of sour complaint from either clan,
Which like to gladiators in the ring
Seem but prepared to battle to the death.
I listened to the frail but honeyed words
Of one who held a judgeship in that clime,
Only to find disgruntlement their source;
And now it shames me, who have been cock-sure,
That I should failure see emblazoned there.
How could I prudence thus have cast aside
And now my stomach fill with humble pie?
Alas! my dreams that fed on self-esteem
Are vanished as the dew before the sun.
_(With energy)_
Another plank I'll wrench with giant hand.
And wreck the platform, "if I bust a gut."
_(Exit to drink an orangeade to quiet his nerves.)_

_Scene II: The Governor's room._

_Quezox:_ My Liege this Printus stands without the door,
And seeks admission that he may explain
His conduct. Shall I, bid him enter here?
_Francos:_ In sooth, good Quezox, doth my spirit yearn
To quick despatch my business with this man.
_(Quezox retires and fetches Printus)_
_Quezox:_ Most noble Sire, this gentleman attends?
_Francos:_ Sir, from thy mouth I explanation ask
As to the import of a message sent
To high officials of some labor bund
Voicing complaint anent my conduct here.
_Printus:_ In truth, I little know of this affair.
These men a grievance feel, for they did come
At my behest on weighty promise made
To fill positions which experts alone
Are proper occupants; and now they fear
Their stipends may be cut with pruner's knife,
Which to them each important loss portends
And dire discomfort work on those they love.
_Francos:_ Hold, Printus, hold! Thy words were idle chaff.
Dost thou deny the allegation made
That to th