`` captain , i speak here of sovereignty-the necessity of balancing-i must assert that we will not secure the liberty of these men and women , if you begin by giving offense to the portuguese crown : in breaching the subject of negotiations with the tswana first , without reference of any sort to the wishes of the prince regent , you have usurped his authority- '' `` if you can envision a solution to the present difficulties faced here by the crown which does not entail coming to terms with the tswana , '' laurence said , `` then i beg you to enlighten me ; and likewise if you imagine any circumstances where the tswana should agree to affirm the rights of slave-owners .