4. "As to that," said the dial, "is there not a window in your house on
purpose for you to look through?" "For all that," resumed the pendulum,
"it is very dark here; and, although there is a window, I dare not stop
even for an instant to look out at it. Besides, I am really tired of my
way of life; and, if you wish, I'll tell you how I took this disgust at my
employment. I happened, this morning, to be calculating how many times I
should have to tick in the course of only the next twenty-four hours;
perhaps some one of you above there can give me the exact sum."

5. The minute hand, being quick at figures, presently replied, "Eighty-six
thousand four hundred times." "Exactly so," replied the pendulum. "Well, I
appeal to you all, if the very thought of this was not enough to fatigue
anyone; and when I began to multiply the strokes of one day by those of
months and years, really it was no wonder if I felt discouraged at the
prospect. So, after a great deal of reasoning and hesitation, thinks I to
myself, I'll stop."

6. The dial could scarcely keep its countenance during this harangue; but,
resuming its gravity, thus replied: "Dear Mr. Pendulum, I am really
astonished that such a useful, industrious person as yourself should have
been seized by this sudden weariness. It is true, you have done a great
deal of work in your time; so have we all, and are likely to do; which,
although it may fatigue us to think of, the question is, whether it will
fatigue us to do. Would you now do me the favor to give about half a dozen
strokes to illustrate my argument?"

7. The pendulum complied, and ticked six times at its usual pace. "Now,"
resumed the dial, "may I be allowed to inquire if that exertion is at all
fatiguing or disagreeable to you?" "Not in the least," replied the
pendulum; "it is not of six strokes that I complain, nor of sixty, but of