permitted himself to make reflections on pennies. He commented wickedly

and maliciously on the copper money of the kingdom. He insulted the

farthings of her Majesty. A farthing! Why, 'tis the same as the queen. A

sacred effigy! Devil take it! a sacred effigy! Have we a queen--yes or

no? Then respect her verdigris! Everything depends on the government;

one ought to know that. I have experience, I have. I know something.

They may say to me, 'But you give up politics, then?' Politics, my

friends! I care as much for them as for the rough hide of an ass. I

received, one day, a blow from a baronet's cane. I said to myself, That

is enough: I understand politics. The people have but a farthing, they

give it; the queen takes it, the people thank her. Nothing can be more

natural. It is for the peers to arrange the rest; their lordships, the

lords spiritual and temporal. Oh! so Gwynplaine is locked up! So he is

in prison. That is just as it should be. It is equitable, excellent,

well-merited, and legitimate. It is his own fault. To criticize is

forbidden. Are you a lord, you idiot? The constable has seized him, the

justice of the quorum has carried him off, the sheriff has him in

custody. At this moment he is probably being examined by a serjeant of

the coif. They pluck out your crimes, those clever fellows! Imprisoned,

my wag! So much the worse for him, so much the better for me! Faith, I

am satisfied. I own frankly that fortune favours me. Of what folly was I

guilty when I picked up that little boy and girl! We were so quiet

before, Homo and I! What had they to do in my caravan, the little

blackguards? Didn't I brood over them when they were young! Didn't I

draw them along with my harness! Pretty foundlings, indeed; he as ugly

as sin, and she blind of both eyes! Where was the use of depriving

myself of everything for their sakes? The beggars grow up, forsooth, and

681

The Man Who Laughs