442 THE RICH AND THE POOR. 



alone) are those that the other party profess in theory, while they 

 deny them in practice an inconsistency which would be fatal to the 

 latter (at least in argument, the way in which their contest are gene- 

 rally carried on, especially in the House) if the former at all knew 

 how to take advantage of it. Thus, for instance, if the talk about the 

 sacredness of vested right were combatted on its proper ground, the 

 absurdity and immorality of founding right on wrong, instead of the 

 slippery and unsound ground of utility, they would be clear masters 

 of the field ; whereas they must often feel humiliated, even in carry- 

 ing a measure, that they are forced to rely for their only defence on 

 a subservient majority. It would also be as easy for them to prove 

 that their objects are in unison with Scripture as with justice ; but 

 this, too, they never have the sense to take advantage of, not even 

 when reproached with going contrary to it. 



To give one signal instance of the way in which they might make 

 use of the principles of their opponents there is one principle in 

 which both will agree (and which was strikingly impressed at the 

 meeting), that it is at all events better that reform, if it be at all, 

 ought (except in cases of conscience) to be granted by the higher 

 orders with a good grace rather than extorted by the lower ; and that 

 a concession granted with evident reluctance is almost always inju- 

 rious more so at least than if willingly given witness Catholic Eman- 

 ciptaion. Had this argument been used, joined with an appeal to the 

 ultimate principles of the opponents of reform, it would at least have 

 gained a great advantage in argument, and probably have done some- 

 thing even to strengthen their cause. 



BRIAREUS AND THE BULL. 



IT is a glorious day 'in fair Seville, 



Or Cadiz, rising o'er the dark blue sea ; 



When the assembled Dons prepare to kill a 

 Bull, 'mid the pageant* of old chivalry. 



What heavenly eyes flash forth from the mantille, 

 And rain their influence on the grand melee ! 



And what sweet lips applaud the sport so gory, 



That English ladies faint to read in story ! 



Loud is the gladsome murmur of the throng, 

 Piled round the smoothed arena's wide expanse, 



When the plumed cavalier is borne along 

 On veering steed, with nicely balanced lance, 



Before the lord of lowing herds, that strong 

 And mighty in his terribie advance, 



Rushes against him in his headlong course, 



And gores the stomach of the flying horse ! 



