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. 1886 edition. Excerpt: ... THE OTTERS OF TARSHISH. NOW, it came to pass, that besides the apes, the peacocks, and the locusts, with which Tarshish had long abounded, a destructive breed of otters came also very much to abound. 2. And, lo! these little hairy robbers bred exceedingly among the rivers, and ponds, and slimy lakes of Tarshish, yea, in so much, that they destroyed the wholesome fish almost altogether. 3. Nay, they became so cunning and courageous, that they began to destroy, not only the fishes, but the loaves, over all the land. 4. And they wrought very covertly, as well as cunningly; for these wily and wicked animals multiplied and masticated under ground, where many wise and good-men suspected that they were not, or could find any plunder. 5. Now, moreover, these creatures had no souls; yet they had salaries from the titled apes and peacocks; because they frequently catered under ground for the profit of these more open animals. 6. Nay, some of them took office, and worried all the tax-paying lieges of Tarshish that they could lay their teeth upon. 8. Now, at length, the men of Tarshish, who had borne long, resolved to search for, and to hunt these destructive otters from their loamy pools and their dark retreats; yea, and to destroy them utterly. 9. And an host of honest men combined and 11. So the under-ground vermin became fewer. THE SPANIELS OF TARSHISH. Chap. I. AND in Tarshish there were also certain beings who seemed always smiling, always crouching, and always collared. 2. For these creatures had often around their necks a ring, which could show unto what noble or great man they belonged. 3. And, moreover, they were named spaniels, which, in the language of Tarshish, signifieth animals who must lick the shoes of their masters. 4. And, indeed, ..