My life is held to be a round of Pleasures; All I can say is, they who thus would rate it, For life's delights have most peculiar measures: For though in plainest English they don't state it, 'Tis clear "no recreation" meets their views, Or why that sneering cry, "_Le Prince s'amuse?_"
Or do they think a Prince, without repining, Foundation-stones unceasingly is laying, Rewarded with a glut of public dining, The pangs of hunger ever to be staying, Is recreation such as he would choose? If so--I understand "_Le Prince s'amuse!_"
But how a world that notes his daily doings, The everlasting round of weary function,-- The health-returnings, speeches, interviewings. Can grudge him some relief, without compunction, Seems quite to me "another pair of shoes!" Dyspeptic is that cry, "_Le Prince s'amuse!_"
(_FRAGMENT FROM THE ADVENTURES OF A RANSOMED PRISONER._)
I must confess I was agreeably surprised at the treatment to which I was subjected by my capturers. Instead of being loaded with chains and confined in a cell beneath the castle's moat, I was given perfect liberty, and had quite a pleasant suite of rooms. I should scarcely have known that I was in durance had not one of the less refined of the brigands shown me a revolver, and playfully informed me that its contents were intended for me if I attempted to escape. The Chief was absolutely charming. He treated me in the most courteous manner, and ended his first interview with me by requesting "the honour of my company at dinner."
"You need not dress!" he observed, "although I like to put on a tail-coat myself. But I know that you have had some difficulty with my people about your luggage, and so I shall be only too delighted to excuse _grande tenue_."
The "difficulty" to which my host referred was the seizing of my portmanteau by the gang of thieves of which he was the acknowledged head. I suggested that I might possibly recover some of its contents.
"I am afraid not," returned the Chieftain. "You see my people are very methodical, and by this time I fear all the goods will have been sold. The motto of the Club is 'small profits and quick returns.' We find no difficulty in trading. As we carry on business on the most economical principles, we can quote prices even cheaper than the Stores."