Some affected to be so frightened by
the mere sight of the brandished sword, although it never moved, that
they pretended it was dangerous to live even under the same sky with it;
while others, treating very lightly the terrors of this warlike
instrument, would observe that much more was really to be apprehended
from the remarkable strength and thickness of the calm and
peace-inspiring crosier; and that as long as the Government was
supported by this huge pastoral staff nothing could prevail against it;
that it could dare all things, and even stand without the help of its
legs. All these various opinions at least proved that, although the
present might not be the most miraculous Statue that could possibly be
created, it was nevertheless quite impossible ever to form one which
would please all parties.
The care of this wonderful Statue was entrusted to twelve 'Managers,'
whose duty it was to wind-up and regulate its complicated machinery, and
who answered for its good management by their heads. It was their
business to consult the oracle upon all occasions, and by its decisions
to administer and regulate all the affairs of the State.
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