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Monday 9 December 2013

A comprehensive philanthropy


“I hate snakes who bestow their caresses with interested partiality or fastidious discrimination,”  boasted a boa constrictor. “My affection is unbounded; it embraces all animated nature. I am the universal shepherd; I gather all manner of living things into my folds. Entertainment here for man and beast!” 

“I should be glad of one of your caresses,” said a porcupine, meekly; “it has been some time since I got a loving embrace.” So saying, he nestled snugly and confidingly against the large-hearted serpent — who fled. 

A comprehensive philanthropy may be devoid of prejudices, but it has its preferences all the same.

4 comments:

Demetrius said...

I take the point.

A K Haart said...

Demetrius - too sharp for me.

James Higham said...

Devil's Dictionary man, wasn't he?

A K Haart said...

James - yes he was. A very cynical man but amusing too.