And sentences shall be written for the training of any young hand
who wishes to become one of us, since none can hope to arrive at
once at the pitch of perfection to which the society has brought the
art. And if that any should be heard of his own free will and
invention uttering one or more of these sentences and by these means
indicate much talent in the required direction, he shall be waited
on by a committee of the club and induced, if possible, to join us,
for he will be an acquisition; and the sentences required are such
as: "I think so-and-so a very jolly fellow, indeed I don't know a
man in the college I like better than so-and-so, but I don't care
twopence about him, at least it is all the same to me whether he
cuts me or not."
The beauty of this sentence is not at first appreciable, for though
self-deceit and self-satisfaction are both very powerfully
demonstrated in it, and though these are some of the society's most
vehement supporters, yet it is the good goddess Talebearer who
nourisheth the seed of mischief thus sown.
It is also strictly forbidden by this society's laws to form a firm
friendship grounded upon esteem and a perception of great and good
qualities in the object of one's liking, for this kind of friendship
lasts a long time--nay, for life; but each member must have a
furious and passionate running after his friend for the time being,
insomuch that he could never part for an instant from him.
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