THE HARMONY OF VIRTUE

IX. 7. At the Society's Chambers471Professor: My dear Biren, pray take care of your words.They are highly irregular and seditious and may bring about yourforfeiture under the Press Act. No, not all. There is such a thingas moderation. Besides, your proposal is as extravagant as yourexpressions. Do you realise that it would amount to subsidisingone third of the literate population of India?Jurist: Such an extraordinary procedure would attract suspicion.It might be thought you were a particularly adroit, ingeniousand hardened conspirator using this apparent frankness tocover up your nefarious secret operations. What are the declaredobjects of the Society?Professor: Self-improvement —Jurist: A very dangerous term. Pray drop it.Professor: The discovery of truth —Scientist: I object. Truth is a highly explosive substance. Iam not sure that the police would not be justified in carrying itaway as an incriminatory document along with the Gita and Seeley'sExpansion of England.Professor: And discussion and question on all questionablethings, subjects or persons.Extremist (unpleasantly): Take care! That is obviously aninnuendo, reference, allusion or metaphor intended or calculatedto bring the Government into contempt or hatred.Professor (innocently): Good Lord, so it is! (in despair) We'llhave to give it up.Jurist: Why not add a second object, to present and offeraddresses of loyalty and depute congratulatory deputations to highofficials on every occasion possible or impossible? That, I think,would cure everything.He sits back triumphantly and invites admiration. Applause.Professor: A very attractive proposal. Dear me, this is veryattractive.Extremist (wrathfully): There is such a thing as truth andself-respect.Professor (warmly): Truth? Are we not loyal? Do you dareto say we are Anarchists?Extremist: I decline membership.Professor: Well, Biren, well! Perhaps you had better. But