They are gone.'
'I am glad to hear it,' said Mr Pecksniff. 'Behold the wonders of the
firmament, Mrs Lupin! how glorious is the scene! When I look up at those
shining orbs, I think that each of them is winking to the other to
take notice of the vanity of men's pursuits. My fellowmen!' cried Mr
Pecksniff, shaking his head in pity; 'you are much mistaken; my wormy
relatives, you are much deceived! The stars are perfectly contented (I
suppose so) in their several spheres. Why are not you? Oh! do not strive
and struggle to enrich yourselves, or to get the better of each other,
my deluded friends, but look up there, with me!'
Mrs Lupin shook her head, and heaved a sigh. It was very affecting.
'Look up there, with me!' repeated Mr Pecksniff, stretching out
his hand; 'With me, a humble individual who is also an insect like
yourselves. Can silver, gold, or precious stones, sparkle like those
constellations! I think not. Then do not thirst for silver, gold, or
precious stones; but look up there, with me!'
With those words, the good man patted Mrs Lupin's hand between his own,
as if he would have added 'think of this, my good woman!' and walked
away in a sort of ecstasy or rapture, with his hat under his arm.
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