An Allegory.

He smiled , ancl asked me if I was fond of studying languages , for , said he , " I need not tell you that language is the embodiment of good taste . " I acquiesced in that , and asked if the acquirement of many languages was not a matter of great difficulty . " The first principle , " said he , " you will of course grant me , is sound ; endeavour , therefore , to articulate clearly any sound you may wish to produce . IE you look well at

the word you want to say before yon speak it , you will seldom fail to pronounce it rightly , because if you see that a word contains three letters , you will not , unless there be very good reason , either by custom or convenience , think of pronouncing it as if it were a worcl of two letters only ; and if you study order and arrangement , you must perforce speak grammatically , because to clo otherwise would be contrary to your sense of harmony , which may be called completeness . If you study words that go to make up a language , you may , if you choose , speak , in a short time , as many as occasion requires ; the thorough mastery and knowledge of one language is the key-root to all others . "

I thought there was much to be digested in this view of language , and agreed m silence to what he said . " I presume , " said he , changing bis tone in a cordial and friendly manner , " you are fond of a good dinner , and consider yourself a judge of wine . " I modestly replied in the affirmative . " Then , " said he , " take a hint by way of good feeling , ancl if you woidd preserve

your taste keep clear of all excesses . The sweetest of sweets will in time become nauseous if taken in excess , ancl the strongest spirits will , if overdosed , lose their flavour , ancl taste as tastless , though with worse effects , than water . Ton may , however , " said , he , " occasionally make mistakes in using ideas through want of discrimination . I know of no one whose example would be of more value to you in teaching you to shoot straight than that of my friend the Right Hon . Tactus , who will be pleased to see

you . " As I entered the room of the Right Hon . Tactus , I found the table already laid for dinner . In a few moments the Right Hon . Tactus told me where to sit ; ancl as I took my place I couldn't help feeling as if the very chair and table were made expressly for me , so entirely at my ease did I seem to be . I couldn't help noticing how quietly , gracefully , and delicately the Right Hon . Tactus presided , ancl how . when he carved lie seemed to put the knife and fork in the exact spot to sever a joint with ease ; and when I tried to think as to how I should afterwards describe him , I coidd think of no other

description but that he appeared to be exactly as he should be . Unlike my former friends , he asked me no questions , but threw out suggestions , so that before I knew what I was about I found myself actually giving my own opinions ancl my own ideas ; and I must say I felt pleased ancl even somewhat amazed at some of the ideas thus drawn out of me , as it were , ancl I couldn't help appreciating the manner in wliich the Right Hon . Tactus led me through such subjects that I was most

conversant with . I could not define in any way the manner of the Right Hon . Tactus , except that he seemed to see so very clearly and manipulated at sight whatever he had to do . I noticed also the perfect formation of his hands , which perhaps accounted for the way hi which he delicately and lightly touched upon everything , ancl I also noticed the easy grace of his movements , ancl how perfectly self-possessed he was . I learnt afterwards that he had conducted many difficult and delicate negotiations with the

most perfect unconsciousness of their difficulty , ancl that he had the faculty of saying the right tiling at the right time , ancl appearing in the right place at the right moment , and although he had a number of enemies to contend against , they were generally good-humouredly disposed towards Mm . When I came to consider whether the faculty which the Right Hon . Tactus possessed might be learnt , the more subtle did it appear to meand although I thought it might to a certain extent be cultivated

; , yet if it were not part of the natural self there would be a missing link wanting in such a man ' s administration . I couldn't help admiring the Right Hon . Tactus very much , and feeling also that be was worth it ; for whatever might be said regarding his lack of 27