"Yes, of course. This is a Republic, you know. The people elect all
their officers from the King down. Every man and every woman is a
voter. The Boolooroo tells them whom to vote for, and if they don't
obey, they are severely punished. It's a fine system of government,
and the only thing I object to is electing the Boolooroo for only
three hundred years. It ought to be for life. My successor has
already been elected, but he can't reign for a hundred years to
come."

"I think three hundred years is plenty long enough," said Trot. "It
gives someone else a chance to rule, an' I wouldn't be s'prised if
the next king is a better one. Seems to me you're not much of a
Boolooroo."

"That," replied the King indignantly, "is a matter of opinion. I
like myself very much, but I can't expect you to like me, because
you're deformed and ignorant."

"I'm not!" cried Trot.

"Yes, you are. Your legs are too short and your neck is nothing at
all. Your color is most peculiar, but there isn't a shade of blue
about any of you, except the deep-blue color of the clothes the old
ape that choked me wears. Also, you are ignorant because you know
nothing of Sky Island, which is the Center of the Universe and the
only place anyone would care to live."

"Don't listen to him, Trot," said Button-Bright. "He's an ignorant
himself."