Pagina 442 di 788

Now the astronomers regard planets and comets just as plain

citizens do a coach; they know whether it is drawing up before

the king's palace, or whether it is starting abroad from the city

gates; but who was riding in it, and why, of what he talked with

the king, and whether the king dismissed the ambassador with

peace or war-of all that they do not even inquire. I remember in

my time when Branicki started in his coach to Jassy,148 and after

that dishonourable coach streamed a train of Targowica

confederates, as the tail follows that comet. The plain people,

though they did not meddle in public deliberations, guessed at

once that that train was an omen of treason. The report is that

the folk has given the name of broom to this comet, and says that

it will sweep away a million men." And in reply the Seneschal

said with a bow:-