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Renzo returned thanks to his guide, and to all those who had

taken his side. "Worthy friends," said he, "I know that honest

people support each other." Then striking the table, and placing

himself in the attitude of an orator, "Is it not an unheard of

thing," cried he, "that those who govern must always introduce

paper, pen, and ink? Always the pen in hand! Such a passion for

the pen!"

"Eh! young and worthy stranger! would you know the reason?" said

one of the gamesters, laughing.

"Let us hear it," replied Renzo.

"The reason is, as these lords eat geese, they have so many

quills, they know not what to do with them."

"Oh, oh!" said Renzo, "you are a poet! You have poets here, then?

I have also a vein for poetry, and I sometimes make verses-but it

is when things go on well."