They replied that they had been at work all the time, and were at work now.

They could assure the country, that though they flourished no trumpets, they positively guaranteed the safety of our virgins and coffers.
Then the people, rather ashamed, abused the Press for unreasonably disturbing them.

The Press attacked old Panic and stripped her naked.
Panic, with a desolate scream, arraigned the parliamentary Opposition for having inflated her to serve base party purposes.

The Opposition challenged the allegations of Government, pointed to the trimness of army and navy during its term of office, and proclaimed itself watch-dog of the country, which is at all events an office of a kind.

Hereupon the ambassador of yonder ireful soldiery let fall a word, saying, by the faith of his Master, there was no necessity for watch-dogs to bark; an ardent and a reverent army had but fancied its beloved chosen Chief insulted; the Chief and chosen held them in; he, despite obloquy, discerned our merits and esteemed us.
So, then, Panic, or what remained of her, was put to bed again.