But what's the use of that, when every noisy and ambitious man shifts and shifts, from one see to another, till he settles himself close to Rome or Byzantium, and gets the emperor's ear, and plays into the hands of his courtiers ?' 'Is it not written, "Speak not evil of dignities"?
'said Philammon, in his most sanctimonious tone.
'Well, what of that?
I don't speak evil of dignities, when I complain of the men who fill them badly, do I ?' 'I never heard that interpretation of the text before.' 'Very likely not.

That's no reason why it should not be true and orthodox.

You will soon hear a good many more things, which are true enough--though whether they are orthodox or not, the court cooks must settle.

Of course, I am a disappointed, irreverent old grumbler.
Of course, and of course, too, young men must needs buy their own experience, instead of taking old folks' at a gift.

There--use your own eyes, and judge for yourself.