And that is how the Gipsies came hither from the East.

Now suppose that the Sultan of all Sultans, who sends the rain,
should make a like answer to us foolish human beings, when we
prayed for rain: "But what have you done with the rain which I
gave you six months since?" "We have let it run into the sea."
"Then, ere you ask for more rain, make places wherein you can keep
it when you have it." "But that would be, in most cases, too
expensive. We can employ our capital more profitably in other
directions."

It is not for me to say what answer might be made to such an
excuse. I think a child's still unsophisticated sense of right
and wrong would soon supply one; and probably one--considering the
complexity, and difficulty, and novelty, of the whole question--
somewhat too harsh; as children's judgments are wont to be.

But would it not be well if our children, without being taught to
blame anyone for what is past, were taught something about what
ought to be done now, what must be done soon, with the rainfall of
these islands; and about other and kindred health-questions, on
the solution of which depends, and will depend more and more, the
life of millions? One would have thought that those public
schools and colleges which desire to monopolise the education of
the owners of the soil; of the great employers of labour; of the
clergy; and of all, indeed, who ought to be acquainted with the
duties of property, the conditions of public health, and, in a
word, with the general laws of what is now called Social Science--
one would have thought, I say, that these public schools and
colleges would have taught their scholars somewhat at least about