Two Politicians

Two politicians were exchanging ideas regarding the rewards for public service.

"The reward that I most desire," said the first politician, "is the gratitude of my fellow citizens."

"That would be very gratifying, no doubt," replied the second politician, "but, alas! in order to obtain it, one has to retire from politics."

For an instant, they gazed at each other with inexpressible tenderness. Then the first politician murmured, "God's will be done! Since we cannot hope for a reward, let us be content with what we have."

With that, they lifted their right hands from the public treasury and swore to be content.