.ROMANCE OF THE SELF. 585 



was as heavily returned. Hubert's patience was now quite exhausted, 

 and foaming with passion, he began to pummel the Self with all his 

 might. The Self was not tardy in repaying his cuffs, and a furious 

 battle ensued. Firmly clasped together, down they went on the floor, 

 and Hubert having before opened the chamber-door, for the purpose 

 of admitting light to aid him in his search for his apparel, in their 

 struggles they dragged each other out of the room, and rolling along 

 the gallery, both tumbled down stairs. Having arrived at the bottom, 

 the fall somewhat cooled their fury, and with a rueful countenance, 

 Hubert loosened his grasp, and managed to lift up his sorely bruised 

 body. ' ' I see," said he to the self, tf it is of no use to quarrel, so even 

 give me thy hand, and let us be friends/' The self echoed his words, 

 and did as required. On returning to their chamber, they found two 

 rich suits, and whilst donning his new array, Hubert thus communed 

 with himself: " I now begin to think that an entire similarity of 

 ideas does not always make the truest friends. This companion of 

 mine would be a pleasant fellow enough, if he did not possess this 

 plaguey trick of imitation. I have often wondered why men who 

 professed to agree in opinion, should yet find matter of fierce dispu- 

 tation ; and this perchance may be the cause. Those sentiments, 

 which, uttered by our own lips, seem full of wisdom, when made use 

 of by another, and no longer seen through the flattering glass of self- 

 love, lose their claim on our admiration. Thus it is too, that we are 

 often offended at the words of our neighbours, whilst we ourselves, 

 after having made use of language far more offensive, are astonished that 

 offence should have been taken by those to whom it was addressed." 

 Hubert now resolved to provide a costly banquet, and give an in- 

 vitation to his friends and neighbours ; accordingly he despatched 

 servants to request the attendance, on the following evening, of all 

 those whom he had known in his adversity. The appointed time 

 came, and the largest apartment was thronged with people, princi- 

 pally of the lowest class. When the company had assembled, Hubert 

 entered the room, clad in the most gorgeous apparel, with as much 

 dignity as it was possible for him to assume. The self entered at the < 

 same moment, clad in like manner. Both took their seats at the 

 upper end of the table to the admiration and astonishment of their 

 guests ; but neither admiration nor astonishment spoiled the appetites 

 of the visitors, and they ate and drank as if for a wager. No sooner, 

 however, had they satisfied the cravings of their stomachs, than the 

 alteration in the circumstances of their host, the sudden appearance 

 of the stately mansion, and the apparition of the two Huberts, 

 formed the subjects of their discourse. They commenced whisper- 

 ing earnestly one with another, and ever and anon cast anxious and 

 inquiring glances towards the head of the board. Hubert perceived 

 their curiosity, and to put a stop to their surmises, spoke as follows : 

 tc My friends, I see you are surprised at this change in my situation, 

 but I will explain the cause of it in a few words. The person by my 

 side, is my twin-brother, who left me when young, for a far distant 

 country ; and having amassed a vast quantity of wealth, he has re- 

 turned to share it with his only remaining relative. You no doubt 

 feel astonished at his repetition of my words and actions. Owing to 

 M.M. No. 95. 4 F 



