"I hate snakes who bestow their caresses with interested partiality or
fastidious discrimination," boasted a boa constrictor. "_My_
affection is unbounded; it embraces all animated nature. I am the
universal shepherd; I gather all manner of living things into my
folds. Entertainment here for man and beast!"
"I should be glad of one of your caresses," said a porcupine, meekly;
"it has been some time since I got a loving embrace."
So saying, he nestled snugly and confidingly against the large-hearted
serpent--who fled.
A comprehensive philanthropy may be devoid of prejudices, but it has
its preferences all the same.