"If we had had a canoe, we would have had to paddle it along with us; whereas we have only our bodies to paddle." "You are a parcel of loons," exclaimed Media.

"But go your ways, if you are satisfied with your locomotion, well and good." "Now, it is an extreme case, I grant," said Babbalanja, "but those poor devils there, help to establish old Bardianna's position.
They belong to that species of our bedeviled race, called simpletons; but their devils harming none but themselves, are permitted to be at large with the fish.

Whereas, Tribonnora's devil, who daily runs down canoes, drowning their occupants, belongs to the species of out and out devils; but being high in station, and strongly backed by kith and kin, Tribonnora can not be mastered, and put in a strait jacket.
For myself, I think my devil is some where between these two extremes; at any rate, he belongs to that class of devils who harm not other devils." "I am not so sure of that," retorted Media.

"Methinks this doctrine of yours, about all mankind being bedeviled, will work a deal of mischief; seeing that by implication it absolves you mortals from moral accountability.

Further-more; as your doctrine is exceedingly evil, by Yamjamma's theory it follows, that you must be proportionably bedeviled; and since it harms others, your devil is of the number of those whom it is best to limbo; and since he is one of those that can be limboed, limboed he shall be in you." And so saying, he humorously commanded his attendants to lay hands upon the bedeviled philosopher, and place a bandage upon his mouth, that he might no more disseminate his devilish doctrine.
Against this, Babbalanja demurred, protesting that he was no orang- outang, to be so rudely handled.
"Better and better," said Media, "you but illustrate Bardianna's theory; that men are not sensible of their being bedeviled." Thus tantalized, Babbalanja displayed few signs of philosophy.
Whereupon, said Media, "Assuredly his devil is foaming; behold his mouth!" And he commanded him to be bound hand and foot.
At length, seeing all resistance ineffectual, Babbalanja submitted; but not without many objurgations.
Presently, however, they released him; when Media inquired, how he relished the application of his theory; and whether he was still' of old Bardianna's mind?
To which, haughtily adjusting his robe, Babbalanja replied, "The strong arm, my lord, is no argument, though it overcomes all logic." END OF VOL.