The Merits Of Parts

Terence drops a third piece of Gloopy into a hole.

A skate has died, says Terence. He died escaping. To show he was bold.

Indeed, says Gaius. His action was bold. 

He won't escape this time, says Kant.

They look down at the third piece of Gloopy.

Terence picks up a handful of sand.

There are still three more pieces, says Gaius.

I know, says Terence.  But this was a good one.

He sprinkles the sand.

How do you distinguish the merits of the various parts? asks Kant.

What? asks Terence.

You said this was a good one, says Gaius. 

My poem was a good one, says Terence.

Ah, says Gaius. It certainly was. Shall we move on to the next one?

Terence picks up the fourth part of Gloopy and drops it into a hole.

A skate has died, says Terence. After he died, he was a famous actor.

I heard he fell out of a tree in a vinegar bottle, says Kant. I suppose it was all in the timing.

As accidents often are, says Gaius. He was there as part of the scenery.

And fame swiftly followed, says Kant.

Chaos followed, says Gaius. 

Can I do the next one? asks Terence.

Yes, do the next one, says Gaius. 

A skate has died, says Terence. He was in the wrong bin. Until he was saved by a beautiful lady.

Is that true? asks Kant.

It was Belle, says Gaius. Have you met her?

Vello's adopted daughter? asks Kant. 

The same, says Gaius. She did get Gloopy out of the bin. But it was she who dropped him in in the first place.

I didn't want to say that, says Terence.

Yes, no need to say it, says Gaius.

Last piece, says Kant.

Terence picks up the last piece, which is the tail with the claspers.

A skate has died, says Terence. It was me who left him behind on the bus. Which is why he got smelly and cut into pieces. 

May he rest in pieces, says Kant.

Gaius gives Kant a sharp look. This is no time to be funny.

Rest in pieces, Gloopy, says Terence. 

Obviously, he hasn't realised it's funny.