Page:Crainquebille, Putois, Riquet and other profitable tales, 1915.djvu/191

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UPRIGHT JUDGES
177

that in his opinion the horse was the king of creation and he confidently hoped that sooner or later his kingdom would come.

"And when we have built towns, Blanchet," he added, "we must, as you say, establish a system of police in them. In those days I would have the laws of horses equine, that is favourable to horses and for the equine weal."

"What do you mean by that, Roussin?" asked Blanchet.

"My meaning is the natural one. I demand that the law shall secure for each his share of corn and his place in the stable, and that each be permitted to love as he will during the season. For there is a time for everything. In short I would have the laws of horses in conformity with nature."

"I hope," replied Blanchet, "that the ideas of our legislators will be more elevated than yours, Blanchet. They will make laws according as they are inspired by that celestial horse who has created all horses. He is all good since he is all powerful. Power and goodness are his attributes. He fore-ordained his creatures to endure the bit, to drag at the halter, to feel the spur and to die beneath the whip. You talk of love, comrade; he ordained that many of us should be made geldings. It is his