Hearken, O King, for the business is larger than it seems.

How are we to be governed henceforth?
Are we to follow our ancient rules and customs, or must we submit ourselves to a new rule and a new custom?
I tell you, O King, that the people murmur; they are without light, they wander in the darkness, they cannot understand.

Play with us no more, but let us hear the truth that we may judge of this matter." Umsuka looked at Owen, but made no reply.
"I will answer you, Hokosa," said Owen, "for I am the spring of all this trouble, and at my command that man, my disciple, killed yonder snake.
What is it?
It is nothing but a reptile; no human spirit ever dwelt within it as you imagine in your superstition.

You ask to hear the truth; day by day I have preached it in your ears and you have not listened, though many among you have listened and understood.

What is it that you seek ?" "We seek, Messenger, to be rid of you, your fantasies and your religion; and we demand that our king should expel you and restore the ancient laws, or failing this, that you should prove your power openly before us all.