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In the garden of Peter Gilles (aged 29) in Antwerp. With him is Thomas More (aged 38) on a bench with a small table in front of them. John Clement (13 ?-) enters with wine.
P.G.
Thank you, John (John turns to go).
T.M.
My dear Peter, do you mind if John Clement joins us?
P.G.
Of course not. Go and get yourself a stool, John, and bring another glass.
John goes out.
T.M.
I don't like him to miss any good talk; it will help to set him thinking. He has done well so far in Latin and Greek, and 1 expect great things of him in the future.
John returns with a stool and a glass; at P.G. 's sign he fills the glass and all three drink.
T.M.
Well, now, let's get back to our island. I think we ought to give it a name-that will make it sound more real. What do you suggest, John?
J.C.
Why not Atlantis, sir? Plato's imaginary isle.
T.M.
I recall that in the Critias the people despised everything but virtue, but human nature got the upper hand and they were carried away by prosperity and went wrong. Now that won't do in our island; they must remain steadfast for virtue above all else.
P.G.
Atlantis suggests to me the Atlantic Ocean; now we mustn't give any hint of where our island is; it must be nowhere in the known world, or we shall have travellers trying to find it!
J.C.
Nowhere! Couldn't it be called that?
T.M.
A good idea but we'll put it in Latin-Nusquamia. Now John, what would that be in Greek?
J.C.
Utopos?
T.M.
That's it. Now 1 want to discuss the kind of education the children and their parents will receive.
P.G.
Utopians, please, Master More.
T.M.
With a laugh. So be it, Utopians; that's easier on the tongue than Nusquamians. This question of education is one I've had on my mind for some time as I want my four children to have the best we can provide. Margaret, the eldest, is only ten, but she already shows unusual ability. I know that parents always talk like that, but I've no doubts about her. Her two sisters are not so quick...