Two _Travellers_ find an _Oyster_.
As Two Men were Walking by the Sea-side, at a Low-water, they saw an
_Oyster_, and they both Pointed at it together: The One Stoops to take
it up; the Other gives him a Push, and tells him, ’Tis not yet Decided
whether it shall be Yours or Mine. In the _Interim_, while they were
Disputing their Title to’t, comes a Passenger that way, and to him they
referr’d the Matter by Consent, which of the Two had the Better Right
to the _Oyster_. The Arbitrator very Gravely takes out his Knife, and
opens it; the Plaintiff and Defendant at the same time Gaping at the
Man, to see what would come on’t. He Loosens the Fish, Gulps it down,
and so soon as ever the Morsel was gone the way of all Flesh, wipes his
Mouth, and pronounces Judgment. _My Masters_, (says he, with the Voice of
Authority,) _The Court has Order’d each of ye a Shell, without Costs; and
so pray go Home again, and live Peaceably among your Neighbours_.
The MORAL.
_Referrees and Arbitrators seldom forget Themselves._