IX.
ROBBERY BY BOUNTIES.
They find my little book of Sophisms too theoretical, scientific, and metaphysical. Very well. Let us try a trivial, commonplace, and, if necessary, coarse style. Convinced that the public is duped in the matter of protection, I have desired to prove it. But the public wishes to be shouted at. Then let us cry out:
"Midas, King Midas, has asses' ears!"
An outburst of frankness often accomplishes more than the politest circumlocution.
To tell the truth, my good people, they are robbing you. It is harsh, but it is true.
The words robbery, to rob, robber, will seem in very bad taste to many people. I say to them as Harpagon did to Elise, Is it the word or the thing that alarms you?
Whoever has fraudulently taken that which does not belong to him, is guilty of robbery. (Penal Code, Art. 379.)
To rob: To take furtively, or by force. (Dictionary of the Academy.)
Robber: He who takes more than his due. (The same.)