`` Ah , shame ! '' said the Jackal . `` So noble a heart , too ! But men are all alike , to my mind . '' `` Nay , there are very great differences indeed , '' the Mugger answered gently . `` Some are as lean as boat-poles . Others again are fat as young ja -- dogs . Never would I causelessly revile men . They are of all fashions , but the long years have shown me that , one with another , they are very good . Men , women , and children -- I have no fault to find with them . And remember , child , he who rebukes the World is rebuked by the World . '' `` Flattery is worse than an empty tin can in the belly . But that which we have just heard is wisdom , '' said the Adjutant , bringing down one foot . `` Consider , though , their ingratitude to this excellent one , '' began the Jackal tenderly . `` Nay , nay , not ingratitude ! '' the Mugger said . `` They do not think for others ; that is all . But I have noticed , lying at my station below the ford , that the stairs of the new bridge are cruelly hard to climb , both for old people and young children . The old , indeed , are not so worthy of consideration , but I am grieved -- I am truly grieved -- on account of the fat children . Still , I think , in a little while , when the newness of the bridge has worn away , we shall see my people 's bare brown legs bravely splashing through the ford as before .
Then the old XXXXX will be honoured again . ''
Adjutant Jackal Mugger World boat-poles legs mind newness shame years