Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-29

with my Lord Rochester and his caresses
OF the little dog on his lap.
In defining 1t as the device by which the
weak intimidate the strong" observed
Rochester, the philosopher declared the
purpose OF virtue rather than its effect
For the strong are not inundated. while
the weak, falling slaves to their own pup
pet, grow more helpless STILL"
TITS q just retributfon on them" said
the king, FOR having invented q thing SO
tiresome."
I'm truth, sir. all these things that make
virtue are given q man for his profit. and
that he might not go empty-handed into
the mart of the world. He has stuff for
barter; he can give honor for pleasure
morality for money. religion for power"
The king raised his brow and smiled
again, but made no remark. Rochester
bowed courteously to me as he added:
is 1t not as say. sirT' and awaited my
reply.
Its better still, my lord" answered
For he can make these bargains you
speak of, and. by not keeping them. have
his basket still full for another deal''
Again the king smiled, as he patted his
dog.
VERY just, sir: very just nodded
Rochester. Thus by breaking villain
GUS bargain he is twice a villain, and pre-
serves his reputation to aid him in the
more effectual cheating of his neighbor."
"And the damning of his own SOUL" said
the king softly.
'Your majesty is defender of the faith.
win not NEEDLE With your high Office"
said Rochester with a laugh. For my
own part suffer from hurtful sincerity.
Being known for a rogue by all the town
am become the most harmless fellow in
your majesty's dominions. AS Mr.. Dale
here says-I have the honor Of being ac-
quafnted with your name, sir-my basket
is empty. and no man will deal with me-"
There are women left you.'' said the
king.
TT Is more expense than profit" sighed
the earl, although, indeed. the kind crea-
lures will most readily give for nothing
what is worth as much"
$50 that the sum of the matter" said thu
king, SIS that he who refuses no bargain.
however iniquitous. and performs none.
however binding"
us king among men. SIR" interposed
Rochester. with low bow, "even as your
majesty is here In Whitehall"
/ "And by the same title?"
AYE, the same right divine. What think
you OF my reasoning, Mr.. Dale?'
Il do not know, my lord. whence you
came by it, unless the devil hath published
tract on the matter"
Nay. he has but circulated 1t among
his friends" laughed Rochester. For he
Is in no need of money from the book
sellers, since he has a grant from God Of
the customs Of the world for his support"
THE king must have the customs" smil-
ed Charles. II have them here in England.
but the smugglers cheat me-"
"And the penitents him, sir. Faith, these
holy churches run queer cargoeS past his
OHlcer5-OF 50 tney say, anu Will sHotder
bow to the king. and one of equal cour-
tesy to me. he turned away and mingled in
the crowd that walked to and fro.
The king sat some while silent, lazily
pulling the dogs coat with his fingers.
Then he looked up at me.
wild talk. Mr.. Dale" said he. "yet per-
haps not all without meaning"
There's meaning enough, sir. It's not
that I miss"
mo. but perhaps you do. have made
many bargains. You don't praise all uf
them"
IT'S not for me to Judge the kings ac-
TONS"
81 would every man were as charitable
or as dutiful But-shall I empty my bas-
ket? You know of some Of my bargains.
The basket is not emptied yet"
looked full in his face. He did not avoid
my regard, but sat there smiling, in bit
ter amusement.
You are man of reservations" said he.
Il remember them. Be at peace and hold
your place. For hearken to me, Mr.. Dale"
Il am listening to your majesty's words"
1T will be time enough for you to open
your mouth when empty my basket"
ITO be continually