A PARTY Manager said to a Gentleman whom he saw minding his own
business:
"How much will you pay for a nomination1 to office?"
"Nothing," the Gentleman replied.
"But you will contribute something to the campaign fund to assist
in your election, will you not?" asked the Party Manager, winking2.
"Oh, no," said the Gentleman, gravely. "If the people wish me to
work for them, they must hire me without solicitation3. I am very
comfortable without office."
"But," urged the Party Manager, "an election is a thing to be
desired. It is a high honour to be a servant of the people."
"If servitude is a high honour," the Gentleman said, "it would be
indecent for me to seek it; and if obtained by my own exertion4 it
would be no honour."
"Well," persisted the Party Manager, "you will at least, I hope,
indorse the party platform."
The Gentleman replied: "It is improbable that its authors have
accurately5 expressed my views without consulting me; and if I
indorsed their work without approving it I should be a liar6."
"You are a detestable hypocrite and an idiot!" shouted the Party
Manager.
"Even your good opinion of my fitness," replied the Gentleman,
"shall not persuade me."
