An excerpt from Arcanocene, informative:—
S. Disrexus: What guidance do you have for those who live in this age of Worry?
Pteracrotales: Nothing — I will not grace these master narcissists. They only hear that which pleases them
S. Disrexus: Won’t you reconsider? Some will listen
{pause}
S. Disrexus: Why are you looking at me like that!
Pteracrotales: I will not speak to the masses, but I will speak to both of you
S. Disrexus: Both of us?
Pteracrotales: No
S. Disrexus: Both of me?
Pteracrotales: I will address you separately — the one with selective hearing an the one who listens
S. Disrexus: I am listening
Pteracrotales: Liar. But let us proceed
{pause}
{continued pause}
S. Disrexus: I am ready
Pteracrotales: I have spoken
S. Disrexus: Did I miss it?
Pteracrotales: This venom strips away the unnecessary