Robinson. “Well, I consent!”
Stevens. “'May dogs defile the graves of your enemies! '”
Robinson. “With all my heart! provided I am not dancing over them at the time.”
Stevens. “When satiated with earthly felicity, may you be received in paradise by seventy dark-eyed houris—'”
Robinson. “Oh! my eye!”
Stevens. “Click! 'Each bearing in her hand the wine of the faithful; and may the applause of the good at your departure resemble the waves of the ocean beating musically upon rocky caverns. Thy servant, inexperienced in oratory, retires abashed at the greatness of his subject, and the insignificance of his expressions.' So then he cut his stick!”
Robinson. “A very sensible speech! Well, boys, I'm not greedy; I take the half of that offer, and give you the rest—bring in the other gentleman!”
No. 2 advanced with reverences and misgivings. Robinson placed the gold on the table and assigned it to him. A sacred joy illumined him, and he was about to retire with deep obeisances.
“Where is his speech?” cried the judge ruefuly.
Stevens explained to him that the other had returned thanks. On this No. 2 smiled assentingly, and advancing delivered the following sentences: