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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

They had been afraid at first that it
would not keep up its interest. They had agreed with one another
that they would go in "just for a quarter of an hour to see what it
was like." Now they were willing that it should continue all night.
"What came ye out for to see?" he screamed at them. "Came out to
see? Ye didn't come out at all. None of you. That's what I've come
to tell you. For years you've been leading your lazy, idle, self-
indulgent lives, eating and drinking, sleeping, fornicating, lying
with your neighbours' wives, buying and selling, living like hogs
and swine. And is it for want of your being told? Not a bit of it.
You are warned again and again and again. Every day gives you signs
and wonders had you got eyes to see them and you will not see. Well,
be it on your own heads. Why should I care for your miserable,
shrivelled-up, parched little souls? Why should I care when I watch
you all, with your hanging stomachs and your double chins, marching
straight into such a hell as you've never conceived of. I know
what's coming to you. I know what's in store for those well-filled
stomachs of yours.


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