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R. U. R.
173
Radius
Why do you keep from us the secret of our own increase?
Alquist
It is lost.
Radius
It was written down!
Alquist
It was—burnt.
[All draw back in consternation.]
Alquist
I am the last human being, Robots, and I do not know what the others knew.
[Pause.]
Radius
Then, make experiments! Evolve the formula again!
Alquist
I tell you I cannot! I am only a builder—I work with my hands. I have never been a learned man. I cannot create life.