"Having nothing to construct, he could always deal with generalities. Being free from responsibility, he was not called upon either to study details or to master even great facts. * * * Mr. Monk had once told Phineas Finn how great were the charms of that inaccuracy which was permitted to the Opposition."
The always useful ironic device of simply delineating
one's objects with brushes and colors of their own, of presenting
them as they see themselves, is used in one episode
both on an institution and an individual. The Press reacts
to the appointment of a scoundrel to the Cabinet.[1]
"The Jupiter, with withering scorn, had asked whether
vice of every kind was to be considered, in these days of Queen
Victoria, as a passport to the cabinet. Adverse members of
both Houses had arrayed themselves in a pure panoply of morality,
and thundered forth their sarcasms with the indignant
virtue and keen discontent of political Juvenals."
Nevertheless, the new incumbent enjoys his emoluments.[2]
"Now, as he stood smiling on the hearthrug of his official
fireplace, it was quite pleasant to see the kind, patronizing smile
which lighted up his features. He delighted to stand there,
with his hands in his trousers pocket, the great man of the place,
conscious of his lordship, and feeling himself every inch a minister."
With reference to what was then a new policy of administration,
he employs ironic exhortation.[3]
"Let every place in which a man can hold up his head be the
reward of some antagonistic struggle, of some grand compet-*
