As though the trouble they took could ever be worth the time they lose! ...

There are dozens of men I know who are far less presentable than this highly coloured and robust young human being; and yet they are part of the accomplished scheme of things--like degenerate horses, you know--always pathetic to me; but they're still horses, for all that.

Quid rides?
Species of the same genus can cross, of course, but I had rather be a donkey than a mule.
...

And if I were a donkey I'd sing and cavort with my own kind, and let horses flourish their own heels inside the accomplished scheme of things.

...