Let the man speak, said one.
No, said another. He has nothing to offer us. He should not be here.
Are we afraid of him? asked another.
There is nothing to be afraid of, said another.
There is lots to be afraid of, shouted another.
He is the one who is afraid, intoned another. He who wants to speak. He who wants to spread fear and intolerance. He is the one who is afraid.
Do not pity him, said another.
Expel him, said another, I cannot bear his views.
But the man was smiling. He liked to hear them argue.
MW Bewick 