The Blotted Escutcheon and the Soiled Ermine


  A BLOTTED Escutcheon, rising to a question of privilege, said:

  "Mr. Speaker, I wish to hurl back an allegation and explain that 
the spots upon me are the natural markings of one who is a direct 
descendant of the sun and a spotted fawn.  They come of no accident 
of character, but inhere in the divine order and constitution of 
things."

  When the Blotted Escutcheon had resumed his seat a Soiled Ermine 
rose and said:

  "Mr. Speaker, I have heard with profound attention and entire 
approval the explanation of the honourable member, and wish to 
offer a few remarks on my own behalf.  I, too, have been foully 
calumniated by our ancient enemy, the Infamous Falsehood, and I 
wish to point out that I am made of the fur of the MUSTELA 
MACULATA, which is dirty from birth."