If this disingenuous conduct cannot be forgiven in a writer of his superior genius, who will pardon it in you whose name is not half emerged from obscurity ?" "Hark ye, friend," replied the bard, "keep your pardon and your counsel for those who ask it; or, if you will force them upon people, take one piece of advice in return.

If you don't like your present situation, apply for a committee without delay.

They'll find you too much of a fool to have the least tincture of madness; and you'll be released without further scruple.

In that case I shall rejoice in your deliverance; you will be freed from confinement, and I shall be happily deprived of your conversation." So saying, he flew off at a tangent, and our knight could not help smiling at the peculiar virulence of his disposition.

Sir Launcelot then endeavoured to enter into conversation with his attendant, by asking how long Mr.Distich had resided in the house; but he might as well have addressed himself to a Turkish mute.