There I found an Englishman who, without any preface, accosted me thus: "Pray, Mr.Macaulay, do not you think that Buonaparte was the Beast ?" "No, Sir, I cannot say that I do." "Sir, he was the Beast.

I can prove it.

I have found the number 666 in his name.

Why, Sir, if he was not the Beast, who was ?" This was a puzzling question, and I am not a little vain of my answer.

"Sir," said I, "the House of Commons is the Beast.