Patricians and Plebeians

Abstract

It is a matter of far greater importance that the Revd Septimus Harding should remain as Warden of Hiram’s Hospital than that the present Chancellor of the Exchequer should remain in office. Why should anyone try to dispute this truth about the correct order of human priorities? We shall be told that the actions of the Chancellor affect our very palpable interests, while the fate of Mr Harding can at most influence the fantasies of an idle hour. Therefore let us construe this proposition. It amounts simply to this: the one can undeniably put something in our pockets, while at most the other can put something in our hearts and minds.