(_A FRAGMENT FROM THE VERY NEWEST "REPUBLIC."_)

_Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_after introducing a Deputation_). What we
demand is a legal reduction of the hours of labour, and what we want
of you, SOCRATES, is your invaluable aid in getting it.

_Socrates_ (_smiling_). Most heartily do I wish you _may_ get it--in
both cases. But how say you; is the principle of permanence in a state
or community, or class, best effected by harmony, or as it were, unity
of action in all its members?

_All_ (_after looking at each other, and rubbing their chins_). How
not, SOCRATES?

_Socrates_ (_rubbing his hands_). Entirely so! And your class then are
unanimous in favour of a legal reduction of the hours of labour?

_Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_bothered_). Well--ahem!--hardly so,
perhaps. But (_valiantly_), at least three-quarters of a million who
met in the Park gathering at sixteen platforms, were substantially
agreed.

_Socrates._ Humph! Over forty-six thousand to each platform. That's
a far greater number than even _I_ ever addressed. How did you count
them, or ascertain their views?

_Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_flustered_). Well, I've had twenty years'
experience of mob-mustering, and I think I _ought_ to know.