Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/253

 as a correct view of the matter; for I found it written in the columns of that journal whose editor's name (as I learned from a fragment of a rival journal, the evidence of which is, therefore, beyond suspicion) was a synonyme for high-toned veracity and disinterested patriotism,— that journal which might proudly have assumed as motto,—

"Solem quis dicere falsum audeat?"

After this I was not surprised, on turning over the pages, to come on other derivations that seemed, to say the least, fanciful. Ile referred also, in all probability, to some age subsequent to this. This may be inferred when it is stated, that from "congressman," he derives the word "greshma," a wordy talker, a confidence-man. From the honorable title "alderman" he derives "droman," a word employed at one time to designate a low, disreputable ruffian. From "lawyer" he derived "lahyah," a wrap-rascal, a sort of cloak much affected by certain classes. From the name of a certain well-known organization he derived the word "tamna," signifying a den of—well, let us say aldermen.

This was too much. It was trying enough to the temper to read the injurious reference to a profession to which I feel proud to belong,—that quintessence of learning, and mirror of politeness; that stay of oppressed virtue, and terror to evil-doers; that body, the limblest of whose members would scorn to accept the bribe of the wealthy oppressor to aid in crushing the weak; but this insult to the citadel of American pat— By the time I had reached thus far in my soliloquy, the book slipped from my grasp, and I slept, this time without a dream.