'
Here my uncle interposing, 'I should be glad to know (said he),
whether it was instinct that prompted you to retreat with bag and
baggage; for, I think, you had a portmanteau on your shoulder'
The lawyer answered, without hesitation, 'Gif I might tell my
mind freely, withoot incuring the suspicion of presumption, I
should think it was something superior to either reason or
instinct which suggested that measure, and this on a twafold
accoont: in the first place, the portmanteau contained the
writings of a worthy nobleman's estate; and their being burnt
would have occasioned a loss that could not be repaired;
secondly, my good angel seems to have laid the portmanteau on my
shoulders, by way of defence, to sustain the violence of a most
inhuman blow, from the crutch of a reverend clergyman, which,
even in spite of that medium, hath wounded me sorely, even unto
the pericranium.' 'By your own doctrine (cried the parson, who
chanced to be present), I am not accountable for the blow, which
was the effect of instinct.' 'I crave your pardon, reverend sir
(said the other), instinct never acts but for the preservation of
the individual; but your preservation was out of the case -- you
had already received the damage, and therefore the blow must be
imputed to revenge, which is a sinful passion, that ill becomes
any Christian, especially a protestant divine; and let me tell
you, most reverend doctor, gin I had a mind to plea, the law
would hauld my libel relevant.
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