"In the beginning of thriving states, when they are more industrious and
innocent, they have then the fewest laws. Rome itself had at first but
twelve tables. But after, how infinitely did their number of laws increase!
Old states, like old bodies will be sure to contract diseases. And where
the law-makers are many, the laws will never be few. That nation is in
best estate that hath the fewest laws, and those good. Variety does but
multiply snares. If every bush be limed, there is no bird can escape with
all his feathers free. And many times when the law did not intend it, men
are made guilty by the pleader's oratory; either to express his eloquence,
to advance his practice, or out of mastery to carry his cause: like a
garment pounced with dust, the business is so smeared and tangled that
without a Galilaeus his glass, you can never come to discern the spots of
this changeable moon. Sometimes to gratify a powerful party, justice is
made blind through corruption, as well as out of impartiality. That indeed,
by reason of the non-integrity of men. To go to law, is, for two to
contrive the kindling of a fire at their own cost, to warm others, and
singe themselves to cinders. Because they cannot agree to what is truth
and equity, they will both agree to plume themselves, that others may be
stuck with their feathers."

W.G.C.

* * * * *

OLD WEATHER RHYMES.

Rhymes which refer to the weather were probably written by the monks.

If St. Paul be fine and clear,