Little Poems in Prose

sistency of wet plaster. By me energetic treat- ment I had given him back pride and life. Then I made a number of signs to make him understand that I considered the discus- sion at an end; and rising with the satisfaction of a sophist of the Portico I said to him, “Sir, you are my equal. Do me the honour to share my purse with me, and remember, if you are really a philanthropist, that you must apply to all your brothers when they ask alms of you the theory which I have had the pain of trying upon your back!” He swore emphatically that he had under- stood my theory, and would take my advice.