—The expenses of the State being certain, if we close this source of revenue, we must open another; this will not diminish the relative inferiority of our manufactories, and there will be one bureau more to organize and pay.
—That is true; I reasoned as if the tax was to be annulled, not changed. I will reflect on this. What is your second section?
—Section Second. All exports shall pay an ad valorem tax of five per cent.
—Merciful Heavens, Mr. Utopist! You will certainly be stoned, and, if it comes to that, I will throw the first one.
—We agreed that the majority were enlightened.
—Enlightened! Can you claim that an export duty is not onerous?
—All taxes are onerous, but this is less so than others.
—The carnival justifies many eccentricities. Be so kind as to make this new paradox appear specious, if you can.
—How much did you pay for this wine?
—A franc per quart.