AN ex-Legislator asked a Most Respectable Citizen for a letter to

　　the Governor recommending him for appointment as Commissioner1 of

　　Shrimps2 and Crabs3.

　　"Sir," said the Most Respectable Citizen, austerely4, "were you not

　　once in the State Senate?"

　　"Not so bad as that, sir, I assure you," was the reply. "I was a

　　member of the Slower House. I was expelled for selling my

　　influence for money."

　　"And you dare to ask for mine!" shouted the Most Respectable

　　Citizen. "You have the impudence5? A man who will accept bribes6

　　will probably offer them. Do you mean to - "

　　"I should not think of making a corrupt7 proposal to you, sir; but

　　if I were Commissioner of Shrimps and Crabs, I might have some

　　influence with the water-front population, and be able to help you

　　make your fight for Coroner."

　　"In that case I do not feel justified8 in denying you the letter."

　　So he took his pen, and, some demon9 guiding his hand, he wrote,

　　greatly to his astonishment:

　　"Who sells his influence should stop it,

　　An honest man will only swap10 it."