Zz 
/ 
THE KING OF HIS GARRET. 
Three persons, an artist, poet, and historian were sitting 
on a bench in Washington park, where, philosophizing on vari- 
ous subjects of nature, they took into consideration everything 
that they thought of, not omitting the least thing, for they 
mantained that everything is a benefit. Hence, the poet, be- 
coming passionate, enthusiastic, having his poetic imagina- 
tion aroused, said: 
“Come, let us hear a good story!” 
“Ah, from whom?” asked the artist. 
“ 
“No, not I, for I am an artist; I paint.” 
“Well, then, let us hear from the historian!” 
“To be a certainty; that I am an historian, I do know 
many stories.” 
‘Give us a recitation, then!” 
“Exactly! Give your attention to me!” 
“We are listening; go on.” 
So, the historian, after he crossed his legs, then rubbed 
his hands together, he finally began the following story: 
“Mosby, a bookworm, sitting in an old armchair in his 
garret, reading Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species,’ medi- 
tated on this particular passage: ‘Environment has a great 
deal to do with the human species. Geographically men re- 
ceive their different colors, various intonations of voice, and 
soon. According to this adaptation of nature, physiologically 
as well as psychologically, the human species receive their 
habits, their education, and customs.’ He read this over and 
over again; then, after a short contemplation on the subject, 
he placed the book on a small table, got up from his chair, 
walked to his old bookcase, and, with his arms folded, perused 
the titles of various volumes, whereupon he suddenly mused: 
““As I stand before you, you within whose pages exist 
everything that is known, the ant, the elephant, mountains, 
peenessi a universe of organic and inorganic matter, chemistry, 
iology, all the creatures and plants of the earth, as I stand 
before you thus, I do consider myself to be the master of all 
men, of all animals, everything that can be conceived of as a 
repos as an astronomer, magician, orator. And, that 
can read and write French, German, Spanish, and Arabic, I 
have the advantage of being greater than the greatest of men 
who can not read and write these languages, for I do know 
everything that is to be known in their philosophy, science, 
art, and literature.’ 
“Immediately upon the conclusion of his individual mus- 
ing, he unfolded his arms, walked his room to and fro, looked 
at himself in his mirror, made powerful facial expressions, 
5° 
