Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ...to irritate him, because he is really a good creature; I would much rather pet him than goad him. He can be cruel, but he can also be kind, and it is in the latter mood that everybody likes him and wants to give him sugarcandy. Moreover, as Elephant he is the living Emblem of Wisdom--a sacred being; and, if one is of an Eastern turn of mind, worthy of worship--and I never heard of any one yet who would venture to cast a doubt on his sagacity. He is wonderfully knowing; his opinion on some things is always worth having, and when he picks up Pins his movements are graceful and always worth watching. Moreover, one never gets tired of looking at the lovely Fairy who guards and guides him. We could not spare either of the twain from our midst--they form a picture " full of Colour." When we view that picture the " moral sense " of Colour enters into us--we feel twice born and twice alive. See how graceful is the cortege! how quaint and pretty and Oriental! Through the eye-holes of my domino I gaze admiringly upon the group--it makes a bright reflection on the "tablets of my memory." Move on, gentle Elephant! Move on! As slowly as you like, and at your own pleasure. Only don't try to "smash" me any more--it's useless. I am formed of that hard "virile" composition of literary ware "guaranteed unsmashable"--I am neither glass nor porcelain. Have another biscuit? Another bon-bon of sugared praise? Well, then, you are a poet in disguise--a genius, wrapped up and sealed down under a hopeless weight of circumstances. I know your buried qualities well, and had some brave person cut off your head--i.e. your Self-Esteem (as I previously suggested)--years ago, we might have had a Prince, nay, ...