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Lang, Andrew, 1844-1912

"Old Friends, Epistolary Parody"

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Therefore Rhodopis is yet living, being now about one hundred and
fifty years of age. And Phanes added that there is in the country
of the Amagardoi a fire; and whoso enters into that fire does not
die, but is "without age and immortal," as Homer says concerning
the horses of Peleus. Now, I would have deemed that he was making
a mock of that sacred story which he knows who has been initiated
into the mysteries of Demeter at Eleusis. But he and Nicarete are
about to sail together without delay to the country of the
Amagardoi, believing that there they will enter the fire and become
immortal. Yet methinks that Rhodopis will not look lovingly on
Nicarete, when they meet in that land, nor Nicarete on Rhodopis.
Nay, belike the amphora will be made hot for one or the other.
Such, howbeit, was the story of Phanes the Phocaean, whether he
spoke falsely or truly. The God be with thee.
HERODOTUS.

LETTER: Mrs Proudie

Mrs. Proudie, wife of the Bishop of Barchester, admits Mrs.
Quiverful into her confidence. Mrs. Proudie first takes pleasure
in a new and pious acquaintance, Lady Crawley (nee Sharp), but
afterwards discovers the true character of this insidious and
dangerous woman.

The Palace, Barchester, July 17.
Dear Letitia,--The appearance of mumps in a small family of
fourteen like yours, is indeed one of those dispensations which
teach us how mysterious are the ways! But I need not tell you to
be most careful about cold, which greatly adds to the virulence of
the complaint, and it is difficult for you, in lodgings at
Brighton, to keep a watchful eye on so many at once.


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