[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

You're performance is convincing me you are really a contrarian optimist who thinks he can shock the human race . . . into reconsidering their headlong thrust into oblivion.

Actually I have not the slightest hope that there is anything within the power of human beings which will prevent people numbering in the BILLIONS from being violently killed during the coming days.

[Avoiding_Sulla]

No, but they can still save their souls; and that, for you, is a worthy goal.

And who knows? You might even save a few lives in the bargain. You make it sound like it's too late; but you're much softer than your namesake, and know a great deal more now than he did then. Too bad these sadsacks are so far gone. I happen to know you've reached some.