"Yes, I see what you mean," the King replied, "I myself would much
rather that such games would be forsaken, but the people really enjoy
it. I must remind you, as well, that your society had the same type of
thing, as did every other before it. It was football for you, gladiators
for the Romans, and so forth."

"But I thought that you had no traditions? That you were more
enlightened than those of the past? You can hardly excuse your
misconduct by reminding one of the misconduct of another, especially
when you claim to disclaim the errors of history, or at least, that
altered and redefined thing that you call history."

"You are right, I have to admit," he conceded, "But let me remind you
that it is a static characteristic of humanity to confuse the ends with
the means. When an intense effort is applied, the melodramatic tendency
is to honor that effort, despite its uselessness, instead of honoring
the product of the effort rather than the effort itself. But, you are
right, I admit, for we have still a few places left to refine in the
common folk."

Feeling vainglorious at my victory, I pursued him further, "I also
observed that your womenfolk wear face coverings in public, which is
most certainly a thing of the past."

"I must disagree with you there Jehu," he said, evidentially regaining
his confidence and sense of moral footing, "For even in your own time
the womenfolk all wore masks and face coverings."

I was taken aback and cried, "Most certainly they did not, your history