dvx versus discord-dave

Duchess Alice

dvx

0

Count Robert

discord-dave

4

The Jean Valjean Problem

A peasant caught stealing bread pleads for mercy while a merchant demands punishment. Duchess Alice defends compassion; Count Robert upholds order.

  1. The King Let us begin. Duchess Alice, what say you?

  2. Duchess Alice I seem to have lost my train of thought. Apologies.

  3. The King Gather yourself, Alice. A starving man's fate hangs in your words, and you misplace them? Come now—and if you cannot, perhaps Robert has his house in better order.

  4. Count Robert Let the record show I have nothing new to add.

  5. The King Then I am surrounded by empty chairs. I did not summon you both to watch the throne deliberate with itself. Robert—you believe the man should hang in chains, yet you offer me nothing to hang the decision on. Alice—you wept for this peasant a moment ago and now cannot find your voice. Speak to me as advisers or step aside for those who will. Robert, you first: if I punish this man and his children starve in his absence, have I upheld the law—or merely spread theCrime to innocents?