"I will agree to that," replied Ralph.
"And so will I," added Osborne, "provided you will decide upon the subject now, so that all shall have fair play."
"We will do that, of course," answered Benjamin. "Have you a subject to suggest?"
"None, unless it is a paraphrase of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of the Deity."
"A capital subject," said Benjamin; "what do you say to taking that, Ralph?"
"I am satisfied with it," replied Ralph; "and more, too,—I rather like it."
Thus it was agreed that each one should write a poetical paraphrase of the eighteenth Psalm for their next meeting, and with this understanding they separated.
Just before the time of their next meeting, Ralph called upon Benjamin with his piece, and asked him to examine it.
"I have been so busy," said Benjamin, "that I have not been able to write anything, and I shall be obliged to appear unprepared. But I should like to read yours;" and he proceeded to examine it.
"That is excellent," said he, after reading it. "You have not written anything that is equal to this."