Mr. Osborne, on Thursday, used his wit with effect, and
for once did not allow it to degenerate into buffoonery. His reply to Lord Stanley was the very best " hit " made in the debate. "In fact, almost in the words of his great prototype and namesake in Shakespeare, Lord Stanley said to this side of the House :—
" Prepare thy battle early in the morning
I, as I may—that which I would I cannot— With best advantage will deceive the time, And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms. But on thy side I may not be too forward.'"
Mr. Osborne had a plan of his own to suggest as a compromise. He would himself cut down the Church to reasonable dimensions, say, four bishops and 500 parsons ; but he hinted rather than fully admitted that it was too late for this, and called on Mr. Disraeli to disestablish the Church. Mr. Osborne's plan is bold, and in one way fair, but it has a defect. It does not accomplish the end desired. The question is, Has Jones, because he is stronger than Smith, a right to kick Smith for Smith's moral benefit ?' Mr. Osborne replies, No. Jones has no right, unless, indeed, he kicks very gently.' He seems to think that nothing is wicked unless it involves, as the Scripture says, a superfluity of naughtiness.
Previous page
