Though they hadn’t a leg to stand upon.

Others, more merry, as just beginning,

Around on a point of law were spinning;

Or balanced aloft, ’twixt Bill and Answer,

Lead at each hand, like a tight-rope dancer—

Some were so cross, that nothing could please ’em;

Some gulp’d down affidavits to ease ’em;

All were in motion, yet never a one,

Let it move as it might, could ever move on.

“These,” said the spirit, “You plainly see,