An Allegory.

consequently we are enabled to smooth away misunderstandings with all nations , even with the inhabitants of the Arctic regions . " " Then , " said I , " I may presume that defence is security , and security peace ? " " And peace enjoys a comfortable nap , " said the Right Hon . Defendus , pleasantly , which put me in mind of the proverb , " Of sleeping clogs beware ; " ancl I could not help thinking that a brave man was more to be feared than a prudent one .

My next visit was to the Right Hon . Honestus . I found him engaged in paying a number of bills . He was not so rich as he might be , he told me , for his conscience was never at rest until he had discharged his obligations ancl acted up to his pnunciples . He said the only principle he could understand was to pay what he had to pay and say and do what conscience and duty dictated ; ancl he said that at times he got so confused by the various offers ancl suggestions made to him by strategists , manosuvrers , and financiers , that he had resolved to live hi Utopia , and that , as he was under no obligation to any one , he was called an independent member . I thought that , although it was a pleasant thing to see an honest man , it was a pity honesty was not so rich as he might be .

I now prepared myself with grave demeanour for my interview with the Right Hon . Judgmentus . I was told it was contrary to the dignity of the Court for me to ask him a question , but that I might be admitted into the Council Chamber and listen to the judgment he was pronouncing ; and gather from judicial lips the decisions of justice . As with grave and respectful demeanour I entered the Council Chamber , it struck me , as I gazed upon the dignified , passionless face of the Right Hon . Judgmentus ,

that such a man could have had no loves ancl no hates , no likes and no dislikes , or regard to persons generally or individually ; or that , if he had , he had held them subservient to his judgment . I marked how accurately he seemed to divine and decide a point ; how clearly he discriminated , and how minutely he weighed a particle and held it up disembarrassed of its previous conflicting distortions ; how thoughtful , rightful , and earnest were his enunciationsand how mercifullhe blended in his decisions ancl with

, y mercy ; what penetration , concentration , gravity , decorum , and majesty he held lhs office ; ancl what a grave , responsible , dignified office a judge ' s was . As I quitted the Council Chamber , I made my obeisance to the Right Hon , Judgmentus , in grave respect to righteous judgment .

I . was now given to understand that the Right Hon . Criticus was waiting to interview me . I felt , of course , desirous to favourably impress him , as I imagined he woidd be a man of vast knowledge and acquirements ; consequently when I was admitted to his presence I modestly expressed the diffidence I felt at meeting so eminent a man , distinguished in various branches of learning and science . " Toumistake , " said he frankly : "I have not achieved distinction in anything I have taken in fact '

up ; , " said he , "t have never got further than the rudiments . " I said , " Oh , indeed ! " "It is , however , for that reason , " said he _ , "that I excel in the post I fill . I became a critic rather through want of general information than of general knowledge . For instance , whenever I hear a Bill proposed , which ¦ through some want of capacitin not being able to the context I fail to understandI at rise

y grasp , once to say , '_ I cannot in any way see the utility of the Bill or comprehend on what ground it is based , nor can I in any way see how such a Bill can possibly be passed ;' and I generally conclude by denouncing it as one of the most unprecedented , unsatisfactory , derogatory measures that were ever brought before an assembly of reasonable men . Then follow at once a host of replies ; and in those replies are generally suggestions worthy of consideration . Consequently the Bill is discussed and improved , and '

unsuspected talent brought out and developed . " I ventured to ask him if he ever turned his attention to scientific researches ancl books and pictures . "Regarding scientifical researches , " said he , "I candidly confess they are too deep tor me to fathom off-band , and I am never tired of inquiring the reason why and raising discussions thereon , and I take to myself the credit of bringing out and developing the properties contained in fire , air , light , and water , electricity , anatomy , medicine , and