THE GEOMETRICIAN.—The sense is, pretty nearly, as follows. There is wrong on both sides. Keep to a medium in every thing. Nothing too much.
THE MAN OF FORTY CROWNS.—I say, nothing too much; that is really my situation; but the worst of it is, I have not enough.
THE GEOMETRICIAN.—I allow that you must perish of want, and I too, and the state too, if the new administration should continue only two years longer; but it is to be hoped heaven will have mercy on us.
THE MAN OF FORTY CROWNS.—We pass our lives in hope, and die hoping to the last. Adieu, sir, you have enlightened me, but my heart is grieved.
THE GEOMETRICIAN.—This is, indeed, often the fruit of knowledge.
Palace of the barefooted Carmelites.—"What would you please to have, my son?"—"A morsel of bread, my reverend father. The new edicts have stripped me of everything."—"Son, know that we ourselves beg charity; we do not bestow it."