At this speech there arose in the assembly a great noise of private
conversations and disputes of the doctors. The Greek fathers argued with
the Latins concerning the substance, nature, and dimensions of the soul
that should be given to the penguins.

"Confessors and pontiffs," exclaimed the Lord, "do not imitate the
conclaves and synods of the earth. And do not bring into the Church
Triumphant those violences that trouble the Church Militant. For it is
but too true that in all the councils held under the inspiration of my
spirit, in Europe, in Asia, and in Africa, fathers have torn the
beards and scratched the eyes of other fathers. Nevertheless they were
infallible, for I was with them."

Order being restored, old Hermas arose and slowly uttered these words:

"I will praise you, Lord, for that you caused my mother, Saphira, to be
born amidst your people, in the days when the dew of heaven refreshed
the earth which was in travail with its Saviour. And will praise you,
Lord, for having granted to me to see with my mortal eyes the Apostles
of your divine Son. And I will speak in this illustrious assembly
because you have willed that truth should proceed out of the mouths of
the humble, and I will say: 'Change these penguins to men. It is the
only determination conformable to your justice and your mercy.'"

Several doctors asked permission to speak, others began to do so. No one
listened, and all the confessors were tumultuously shaking their palms
and their crowns.

The Lord, by a gesture of his right hand, appeased the quarrels of his