The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1875-10-01
The Language of Signs.

A Spanish ambassador, of princely birth,
accredited to the Court of st. James, dining
with King James the First, of England, ex-
pressed his ideas to the King that he was
always of the opinion that some code Of
signs might be established whereby uni
versal understanding could be obtained
among nations of different languages. The
King, vain monarch, and anxious to dis
play to the ambassador the resources of his
kingdom Immediately answered that he had
himself given this subject much attention,
that he had instituted a chair of language in
one Of his northern universities. The am
bassador, in ccstasies, insisted that he should
set out Immediately, and realize the visions
of his youth. The remonstrance of the King
as to the perils and distance of the journey,
&c, was of no avail, and the ambassador
started on his journey. Although the King
was a notorious boaster, he did not wish
that foreign courts should lose respect for
him, and started courier. post haste to ap-
prise the city, and promised his favor to get
him ont Of the scrdpe. 1t so happened that
there was butcher in the city who had only
one eye but brass enough for dozen. The
provost and magistrates accordingly in sol
cmn council assembled after the arrival of
the kings message, summoned the butcher
to their presence and Offered him rich re-
ward if he would go by their directions. He
was accordingly initiated into the mysteries,
which was to be silent whatever was spok-
en-; and the second to get accustomed to
making bow in professors regimentals.
The ambassador at last arrived, and was
received with great honOrs. According to
his desire, he was Immediately ushered into
the hall where the great professor was in
waiting. The ambassador, on entering, bow
ed-the professor bowed; the ambassador
held up one fnger-the professor held up
two fingers the ambassador held up three
the professor closed his fist; the ambassador
took an orange out of his pocket-the pro-
fessor took some oatmeal crumbles out of
his pocket; the ambassador then bowed and
retired to the council, who were anxiously
waiting the result of the interview.
They inquired, with some trepidation, the
result of the interview "Oh, it was graiid,
replied the ambassador. "When | entered
| bowed, by which meant to say, | respect
your learning. The professor bowed his
thanks to me. | held up one finger, tc
say there is one God. lie held up two
meaning, You have forgotten the Son.
held up three fingers, to acknowledge the
Holy Trinity. He held up his fist, meaning
they are one. | showed him an orange, tC
show him the production of my country
lie showed me some Oatmeal bread, to re-
mind me that nature was good to all, Oh
he is a wonderful man !"
The butcher said ;-"The fool came int
the room and looked at his shoes, ana look
ed at mine. lie held up one finger, to tel
me that had but one eye. held up tive
fingers, to let him know that my one ey,
was as good as his two. lie held up thre
fingers, to let me know that we had but thre
eyes between us. / took that as an insult
and shook my fist at him. lie saw wa
angry, and offered me an orange, but toll
him oatmeal bread was better"