The Various Delegation


  THE King of Wideout having been offered the sovereignty of Wayoff, 
sent for the Three Persons who had made the offer, and said to 
them:

  "I am extremely obliged to you, but before accepting so great a 
responsibility I must ascertain the sentiments of the people of 
Wayoff."

  "Sire," said the Spokesman of the Three Persons, "they stand before 
you."

  "Indeed!" said the King; "are you, then, the people of Wayoff?"

  "Yes, your Majesty."

  "There are not many of you," the King said, attentively regarding 
them with the royal eye, "and you are not so very large; I hardly 
think you are a quorum.  Moreover, I never heard of you until you 
came here; whereas Wayoff is noted for the quality of its pork and 
contains hogs of distinction.  I shall send a Commissioner to 
ascertain the sentiments of the hogs."

  The Three Persons, bowing profoundly, backed out of the presence; 
but soon afterward they desired another audience, and, on being 
readmitted, said, through their Spokesman:

  "May it please your Majesty, we are the hogs."