“Ah!” says I, “there must be a quorum, before we can do business.” “The old grunter,” says he, “will soon be fat enough to kill.” “Yes,” says I, “the Speaker has the casting vote.” “Your new pig-pen,” says he, “will hold ’em all.” “I shall take my seat,” said I, “and be sworn in according to the Constitution.” “What’s your opinion of corn-cobs?” says he. “The Governor and Council will settle that,” says I. The concerns of the whole commonwealth seemed to be resting all on my shoulders, as heavy as a fifty-six; and everything I heard or saw made me think of the dignity of my office. When I met a flock of geese on the school-house green, with Deacon Dogskin’s old gander at the head, “There,” says I, “goes the Speaker, and all the honourable members.” This was talked of up and down the town, as a proof that I felt a proper responsibility; and Simon Sly said the comparison was capital. I thought so too. Everybody wished me joy of my election, and seemed to expect great things; which I did not fail to lay to heart. So having the eyes of the whole community upon me, I saw that nothing would satisfy them, if I didn’t do something for the credit of the town. Squire Dobbs, the chairman of our select men, preached me a long lecture on responsibility: “Lieutenant Turniptop,” says he, “I hope you’ll keep up the reputation of Squashborough.” “I hope I shall, Squire,” says I, for I felt my dignity rising. “It’s a highly responsible office, this going to the Gineral Court,” says he. “I’m altogether aware of that,” says I, looking serious. “I’m aware of the totally and officially.” “I’m glad you feel responsible,” says he. “I’m bold to say, that I _do_ feel the responsibility,” says I; “and I feel more and more responsible, the more I think of it.” “Squashborough,” says the Squire, “has always been a credit to the commonwealth.” “Who doubts it?” says I. “And a credit to the Gineral Court,” says he. “Ahem!” says I. “I hope you’ll let ’em know what’s what,” says he. “I guess I know a thing or two,” says I. “But,” says the Squire, “a representative can’t do his duty to his constituents, without knowing the Constitution. It’s my opinion that you ought not to vote for the dog-tax.” “That’s a matter that calls for due deliberation,” says I. So I went home and began to prepare for my legislative duties. I studied the statute on cart-wheels, and the act in addition to an act entitled an act.