ording to a beautiful form of speech
already introduced in this narrative, "considerably exercised," on the
several subjects that so naturally presented themselves to a man in
his situation. In the first place, he was in a towering passion at the
impudence of Bob in presuming to offer himself as a candidate for the
great council; and having offered himself, the rage of the Captain was
in no degree abated by the circumstance of the young rascal's being at
the head of the poll. He most unreservedly swore "that no subordinate of
his should ever sit in the same legislative body with himself; that he
was a republican by birth, and knew the usages of republican governments
quite as well as the best patriot among them; and although he admitted
that all sorts of critters were sent to Congress in his country, no
man ever knew an instance of a cabin-boy's being sent there. They might
elect just as much as they pleased; but coming ashore, and playing
politician were very different things from cleaning his boots, and
making his coffee, and mixing his grog." The captain had just been
waited on by a committee of the Perpendiculars (half the Leaplow
community is on some committee or other), by whom he had been elected,
and they had given notice, that instructions would be sent in,
forthwith, to all their representatives, to perform gyration No. 3, as
soon after the meeting of the council as possible. He was no tumbler,
and he had sent for a master of political saltation, who had just been
with him practising. According to Noah's own statement, his success was
anything but flattering. "If they would give a body room, Sir John," he
said, in a complaining accent, "I should think nothing of it--but you
are expected to stand shoulder to shoulder--yard-arm and yard-arm--and
throw a flap-jack as handy as an old woman would toss a johnny-cake!
It's unreasonable to think of wearing ship without room; but give me
room, and I'll engage to get round on the other tack, and to luff into
the line again, as safely as the oldest cruiser among 'em, though not
quite so quick. They do go about spitefully, that's sartain."

Nor were the Great National Allegories without their difficulties.
Noah perfectly understood the images of the two tripods, though he was
disposed to think that neither was properly secured. A mast would
make but bad weather, he maintained, let it be ever so well rigged and
stayed, without being also securely stepped. He saw no use in t