Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/17

Rh "And I detest nonsense," said the other; "and I also detest works that won't sell. You mean to make scribbling your business?" "I am," replied our young poet, "anxious to devote my feeble services to the cause of literature." "A very well-turned sentence," said the bookseller: "I don't, myself, dislike a fine phrase now and then; but fine words, like fine clothes, don't do to wear every day: you would soon find yourself without any to wear." "Very true," thought Maynard, glancing unconsciously at his own threadbare apparel. "Now, my dear young friend," continued the bookseller, "you seem fond of reason; let me talk a little reason to you. Here, take your pamphlet again: there is good material in it, but it requires the making up. Leave out some of your arguments, and throw in a few sentiments,—something about free-born Britons and wooden shoes! Englishmen like to have a few sentiments ready for after-dinner use, in case of a speech. You must, also, add