X 



THE KEEPERS OF THE HERD OF SWINE 



[1890] 



I HAD fondly hoped that Mr. Gladstone and I had 

 come to an end of disputation, and that the 

 hatchet of war was finally superseded by the 

 calumet, which, as Mr. Gladstone, I believe, 

 objects to tobacco, I was quite willing to smoke 

 for both. But I have had, once again, to discover 

 that the adage that whoso seeks peace will ensue 

 it, is a somewhat hasty generalisation. The 

 renowned warrior with whom it is my misfortune 

 to be opposed in most things has d ug up the axe 

 and is on the war-path once more. The weapon 

 has been wielded with all the dexterity which 

 long practice has conferred on a past master in 

 craft, whether of wood or state. And I have 

 reason to believe that the simpler sort of the 

 great tribe which he heads, imagine that my scalp 

 is already on its way to adorn their big chiefs 

 wigwam. I am glad therefore to be able to 



