The member selected is
compelled by the rules to remain silent for the space of three
minutes, and is then to retort and bring up six instances. He is to
call the present members to witness, and all are to take one side or
the other, so that none be neutral, and the melee will doubtless
become general, and we expect that much beautiful latent abusive
talent will be developed in this way. But let all this be done with
an air of great politeness, sincerity, and goodwill, at least at the
commencement, for this, when evidently fictitious, is a two-edged
sword of irritation.
And if any grow weak in spirit and retreat from this society, and
afterwards repent and wish again to join, he shall be permitted to
do so on condition of repeating the words, "Oh, ah!" "Lor!" "Such
is life," "That's cheerful," "He's a lively man, is Mr. So-and-so"
ten times over. For these are refreshing and beautiful words and
mean much (!), they are the emblems of such talent.
And any members are at liberty to have small meetings among
themselves, especially to tea, whereat they may enjoy the ever fresh
and pleasant luxury of scandal and mischief-making, and prepare
their accusations and taunts for the next general meeting; and this
is not only permitted but enjoined and recommended strongly to all
the members.
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