"But am I not a man and a brother? Do I not get hungry, like anyone
else? Have I not a wife and family?"

"That is entirely beside the question," persisted the Critic. "All you
have to consider are the claims of Art. Now, Art is not to be served
by paid votaries."

"Then I suppose am unworthy," replied the Author, mournfully shaking
his head. Well, let us exchange places. You shall be the Author, and
I will be the Critic."

"Very sorry, my dear friend, but that is an unjust division. By that
means you would receive all the money."

"And why not? If I am to write, why am I not to be paid?"

"Because it is beneath the dignity of an Author to write with a view
to obtaining cash."

"Indeed! Well, I am tired of work. You have nothing to do but
criticise. Let us swap positions."

"Are you mad?" shouted the Critic. "Why, I am fond of my work. You
don't imagine I am going to give up my salary to you? Why, it would
demoralise you. I know the drawback of the system." And the Author
applied himself to the study of the New Criticism, and it seemed as
great a mystery to him as ever.

* * * * *