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Literary
April 19, 1787
The New York Journal, And Weekly Register
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
An allegory set in Aesop's time where the body's members mutiny against the head, arguing for a more central seat of intelligence like the belly. The head defends its position, but the members petition Jupiter, who wisely refuses. Published in New-York Journal, April 17, 1787.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
For the New-York Journal.
AN ALLEGORY.
It was in the early ages of the world (about the time that Aesop lived) that the different members of the body formed a project to mutiny against the head—Their pretence was—that it was not consistent with the general interest, that the seat of intelligence and government should be at the extremity of the body, but ought to be in some part more central—In vain did the head represent to them, that all their interests were centered in him, and that, being more elevated than the rest, he commanded a more extensive view of things, and consequently was a better centinel over the general concern than any of the lower members, as he could obtain a much earlier view of dangers, and of course give timely notice to the arms, when defence was necessary, or to the feet, when it was prudent to retire from danger: that four of the senses were altogether seated in him, and could not be removed without the most evident inconvenience and preposterous absurdity. In short, that they would only involve him, together with themselves, in inevitable ruin, with many other arguments equally unanswerable, but as the members were without intellect, they could not be convinced, but foolishly and ignorantly petitioned Jupiter, that the seat of intelligence and government should be removed from the head to B**k/* *e— Jupiter smiled, but was too good and wise to grant so absurd a request.
New-York, April 17, 1787.
AN ALLEGORY.
It was in the early ages of the world (about the time that Aesop lived) that the different members of the body formed a project to mutiny against the head—Their pretence was—that it was not consistent with the general interest, that the seat of intelligence and government should be at the extremity of the body, but ought to be in some part more central—In vain did the head represent to them, that all their interests were centered in him, and that, being more elevated than the rest, he commanded a more extensive view of things, and consequently was a better centinel over the general concern than any of the lower members, as he could obtain a much earlier view of dangers, and of course give timely notice to the arms, when defence was necessary, or to the feet, when it was prudent to retire from danger: that four of the senses were altogether seated in him, and could not be removed without the most evident inconvenience and preposterous absurdity. In short, that they would only involve him, together with themselves, in inevitable ruin, with many other arguments equally unanswerable, but as the members were without intellect, they could not be convinced, but foolishly and ignorantly petitioned Jupiter, that the seat of intelligence and government should be removed from the head to B**k/* *e— Jupiter smiled, but was too good and wise to grant so absurd a request.
New-York, April 17, 1787.
What sub-type of article is it?
Allegory
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
Political
What keywords are associated?
Body Allegory
Mutiny Against Head
Seat Of Government
Jupiter Petition
Aesop Era
What entities or persons were involved?
For The New York Journal.
Literary Details
Title
An Allegory.
Author
For The New York Journal.
Key Lines
It Was In The Early Ages Of The World (About The Time That Aesop Lived) That The Different Members Of The Body Formed A Project To Mutiny Against The Head—Their Pretence Was—That It Was Not Consistent With The General Interest, That The Seat Of Intelligence And Government Should Be At The Extremity Of The Body, But Ought To Be In Some Part More Central—
In Short, That They Would Only Involve Him, Together With Themselves, In Inevitable Ruin, With Many Other Arguments Equally Unanswerable, But As The Members Were Without Intellect, They Could Not Be Convinced, But Foolishly And Ignorantly Petitioned Jupiter, That The Seat Of Intelligence And Government Should Be Removed From The Head To B**K/* *E— Jupiter Smiled, But Was Too Good And Wise To Grant So Absurd A Request.