The Black Swans 



and gave expression, twice repeated, 

 to the only word they know when first 

 born; while the pioneer, now three 

 days old, having finished the cicadian 

 curriculum proceeds to launch the 

 strange dispute that is only ended by 

 the final collapse of all who participate 

 so strenuously in it. 



"Kate! Kate-kate! Kate-did! Ka- 

 tee-did! Ka-tee-did! Kate-did!" 



The issue is now to be squarely 

 joined, for from the next tree or hedge 

 comes the quick retort: 



"Kate! Kate-kate! Kate-did! Ka- 

 tee-did! Ka-tee-didn't! Ka-tee- 

 didn't!" 



They are off now in a bunch, and 

 from that night until frost stiffens 

 their green frames, so that they can no 

 longer take a part in the proceedings, 

 the dispute goes on with unfailing 

 regularity and it is always held under 

 time-honored United States Senate 

 rules. The application of cloture in 

 this case has yet to come. They 

 [661 



