Non-Fiction > Books > London, 1887 - Virginibus Puerisque, and other papers

An Apology for Idlers 1 1 3
" No, to be sure."
"Is it metaphysics?"
" Nor that."
" Is it some language?"
" Nay, it is no language."
" Is it a trade?"
" Nor a trade neither."
"Why, then, what is't?"
" Indeed, sir, as a time may soon come for
me to go upon Pilgrimage, I am desirous to
note what is commonly done by persons in
my case, and where are the ugliest Sloughs
and Thickets on the Road ; as also, what
manner of Staff is of the best service.
Moreover, I lie here, by this water, to learn
by root-of-heart a lesson which my master
teaches me to call Peace, or Contentment."
Hereupon Mr. Worldly Wiseman was
much commoved with passion, and shaking
his cane with a very threatful countenance,
broke forth upon this wise : " Learning,
quotha !" said he ; "I would have all such
rogues scourged by the Hangman !"
And so he would go his way, ruffling out