Cobwebs from an Empty Skull

“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.