Page 179 - erewhon

of the Erewhonian lawyers during many ages to exercise
their skill in perfecting it and providing for every contin-
gency.
These formulae are printed on common paper at a mod-
erate cost for the poor; but the rich have them written on
parchment and handsomely bound, so that the getting up
of a person’s birth formula is a test of his social position.
They commence by setting forth, That whereas A. B. was a
member of the kingdom of the unborn, where he was well
provided for in every way, and had no cause of discontent,
&c., &c., he did of his own wanton depravity and restless-
ness conceive a desire to enter into this present world; that
thereon having taken the necessary steps as set forth in laws
of the unborn kingdom, he did with malice aforethought
set himself to plague and pester two unfortunate people
who had never wronged him, and who were quite contented
and happy until he conceived this base design against their
peace; for which wrong he now humbly entreats their par-
don.
He acknowledges that he is responsible for all physical
blemishes and deficiencies which may render him answer-
able to the laws of his country; that his parents have nothing
whatever to do with any of these things; and that they have
a right to kill him at once if they be so minded, though he
entreats them to show their marvellous goodness and clem-
ency by sparing his life. If they will do this, he promises
to be their most obedient and abject creature during his
earlier years, and indeed all his life, unless they should see
fit in their abundant generosity to remit some portion of

1 Erewhon