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Anglo-Maori Warder, Volume 1, Issue 19, 31 August 1848, Page 4

The tricks of cunning are infinite—they are ever held in respect—and hence they are the never-failing resource of superficial politicians. One of the most amusing instances of successful ounning was put in practice by an astrologer on Louis XI. That bad man and sovereign, having enquired of him when he himself would die ? The astrologer taking advantage of the King's known weakness, answered—- " Three days before your Majesty." The King paused, and, struck with the predic ion, desired that the astrologer should be entertained in his palace, fed well, clothed well, and treated with all manner of friendly atiention. Cunning persont, however, generally speaking, have not one-tenth the policy of this witty astrologer. They take infinite pains tor the griater part o their lives—but at length become ungraciously conscious tbat better results might have been brought about at one-fiftieth of the cost. All outside-thereiore, like brooks shallow and transparent—they hide their heads, like crocodiles, and then fancy, after the folly of those animals, tbat they have concealed all parts of their bodies. „, . n Sir John Sinclair reports of *he Prince of Orange, (1786,) that being taught early to be suspicious ol mankind, he had confidence in no one. He therefore trtts'ed no one, believing tbat tools and knaves peopled the world. The loriner he declared could not advise, and the latter would not, unless to suit their own ombl. tion and convenience. Than which a more unfortunate prejudice can never disease or encumber the shallow mind of a sovereign. Supeiior spirits disdain such thou, hta!