A Medical Opinion
AN unfortunate man, who had never drank water enough to warrant the
disease, was reduced to such a state by dropsy, that a consultation of
physicians was held upon his case. They agreed that tapping was
necessary, and the poor patient was invited to submit to the operation,
which he seemed inclined to do in spite of the entreaties of his son.
O, father, father, do not let them tap you, screamed the boy, in an
agony of tears; do anything, but do not let them tap you!--Why, my
dear? inquired the afflicted parent, it will do me good, and I shall
live long in health to make you happy.--No, father, no, you will not:
there never was anything tapped in our house that lasted longer than a
week.