And we will have suppers once a month both to do honour unto
Talebearer and to promote her interest. And the society has laid
down a form of conversation to be used at all such meetings, which
shall engender quarrellings even in the most unfavourable
dispositions, and inflame the anger of one and all; and having
raised it shall set it going and start it on so firm a basis as that
it may be left safely to work its own way, for there shall be no
fear of its dying out.
And the great key to this admirable treasure-house is Self, who hath
two beautiful children, Self-Love and Self-Pride . . . We have also
aided our project much by the following contrivance, namely, that
ten of the society, the same who have the longest tongues and ears,
shall make a quorum to manage all affairs connected with it; and it
is difficult to comprehend the amount of quarrelling that shall go
on at these meetings.
And the monthly suppers shall be ordered in this way: Each man must
take at least two tablespoonfuls of vinegar, which shall make the
wit sharp, or in default thereof one teaspoonful of pepper and
mustard; for the rest we leave the diet to the management of our
stewards and bursars, but after the cloth has been removed the
president shall single out some one of the company, and in a calm
and friendly manner acquaint him with his faults and advise him in
what way he may best amend the same.
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