, a sudden emersion of a new
continent from the waves, it is impossible to doubt that such an event
must have had a very great influence on the climate of the world.
Besides, why should we be surprised that the nature of man should
change? Does not everything change? Is not change the law of nature?
My skin changes every year, my hair never belongs to me a month, the
nail on my hand is only a passing possession. I doubt whether a man at
fifty is the same material being that he is at five-and-twenty.'
'I wonder,' said Lord Cadurcis, 'if a creditor brought an action
against you at fifty for goods delivered at five-and-twenty, one
could set up the want of identity as a plea in bar. It would be a
consolation to an elderly gentleman.'
'I am afraid mankind are too hostile to philosophy,' said Herbert,
smiling, 'to permit so desirable a consummation.'
'Should you consider a long life a blessing?' said Cadurcis. 'Would
you like, for instance, to live to the age of Methusalem?'
'Those whom the gods love die young,' said Herbert. 'For the last
twenty years I have wished to die, and I have sought death. But my
feelings, I confess, on that head are at present very much modified.'
'Youth, glittering youth!' said Cadurcis in a musing tone; 'I remember
when the prospect of losing my youth frightened me out of my wits;
I dreamt of nothing but grey hairs, a paunch, and the gout or the
gravel.
Pages:
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597