fish. Whereas, Tribonnora's devil, who daily runs down
canoes, drowning their occupants, belongs to the species of out and
out devils; but being high in station, and strongly backed by kith
and kin, Tribonnora can not be mastered, and put in a strait jacket.
For myself, I think my devil is some where between these two
extremes; at any rate, he belongs to that class of devils who harm
not other devils."

"I am not so sure of that," retorted Media. "Methinks this doctrine
of yours, about all mankind being bedeviled, will work a deal of
mischief; seeing that by implication it absolves you mortals from
moral accountability. Further-more; as your doctrine is exceedingly
evil, by Yamjamma's theory it follows, that you must be
proportionably bedeviled; and since it harms others, your devil is of
the number of those whom it is best to limbo; and since he is one of
those that can be limboed, limboed he shall be in you."

And so saying, he humorously commanded his attendants to lay hands
upon the bedeviled philosopher, and place a bandage upon his mouth,
that he might no more disseminate his devilish doctrine.

Against this, Babbalanja demurred, protesting that he was no orang-
outang, to be so rudely handled.

"Better and better," said Media, "you but illustrate Bardianna's
theory; that men are not sensible of their being bedeviled."

Thus tantalized, Babbalanja displayed few signs of philosophy.

Whereupon, said Media, "Assuredly his devil is foaming; behold his
mouth!" And he commanded him to be bound hand and foot.

At length, seeing all resistance ineffectual, Babbalanja submitted;
but not without many objurgations.

Presently, however, they released him; when Media inquired,
how he relished the application of his theory; and whether he was
still' of old Bardianna's mind?

To which, haughtily adjusting his robe, Babbalanja replied, "The
strong arm, my lord, is no argument, though it overcomes all logic."

END OF VOL. I.

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(of 2), by Herman Melville

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