AN Object was walking along the King's highway wrapped in

　　meditation1 and with little else on, when he suddenly found himself

　　at the gates of a strange city. On applying for admittance, he was

　　arrested as a necessitator of ordinances2, and taken before the

　　King.

　　"Who are you," said the King, "and what is your business in life?"

　　"Snouter the Sneak," replied the Object, with ready invention;

　　"pick-pocket."

　　The King was about to command him to be released when the Prime

　　Minister suggested that the prisoner's fingers be examined. They

　　were found greatly flattened3 and calloused4 at the ends.

　　"Ha!" cried the King; "I told you so! - he is addicted5 to counting

　　syllables6. This is a poet. Turn him over to the Lord High

　　Dissuader7 from the Head Habit."

　　"My liege," said the Inventor-in-Ordinary of Ingenious Penalties,

　　"I venture to suggest a keener affliction.

　　"Name it," the King said.

　　"Let him retain that head!"

　　It was so ordered.