Though it suffers this experiment placidly, being incapable of the
feeblest resistance, it has the primordial gift of care of itself. Twists
purposely made to test its degree of intelligence are artfullystraightened
out, and the eagerness and hurry with which water is forced throughout
empty parts show that life is both sweet and precious. And what is the
value of life to an animal of such homely organism and so few wants?
And under what charter of rights does it slink among the coral and weed
affrighting God-fearing man under the cloak of his first subtle enemy?
CHAPTER V
THE TYRANNY OF CLOTHES
"Give the tinkers and cobblers their presents again and learn
to live of yourself."
Few enjoy a less sensational and more tranquil life than ours. Weeks
pass, and but for the visits of the kindly steamer, and the passing
of others at intervals, there is naught of the great world seen or
experienced. A strange sail brings out the whole population, staring
and curious. Rare is the luxury of living when life is unconstrained,
unfettered by conventionalities and the comic parade of the fashions.
The real significance of freedom here is realised.
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