Roundabout Papers - Penn State University

Roundabout Papersof mathematics flow beneath. We will take refuge incards, and play at “beggar my neighbor,” not abuse myneighbor. We will go to the Zoological Gardens and talkfreely about the gorilla and his kindred, but not talkabout people who can talk in their turn. Suppose wepraise the High Church? we offend the Low Church. TheBroad Church? High and Low are both offended. Whatdo you think of Lord Derby as a politician? And what isyour opinion of Lord Palmerston? If you please, will youplay me those lovely variations of “In my cottage near awood?” It is a charming air (you know it in French, Isuppose? Ah! te dirai-je, maman!) and was a favoritewith poor Marie Antoinette. I say “poor,” because I havea right to speak with pity of a sovereign who was renownedfor so much beauty and so much misfortune.But as for giving any opinion on her conduct, sayingthat she was good or bad, or indifferent, goodness forbid!We have agreed we will not be censorious. Let ushave a game at cards—at ecarte, if you please. You deal.I ask for cards. I lead the deuce of clubs ….What? there is no deuce! Deuce take it! What? Peoplewill go on talking about their neighbors, and won’t havetheir mouths stopped by cards, or ever so much microscopesand aquariums? Ah, my poor dear Mrs. Candor, Iagree with you. By the way, did you ever see anythinglike Lady Godiva Trotter’s dress last night? People willgo on chattering, although we hold our tongues; and,after all, my good soul, what will their scandal matter ahundred years hence?124