Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/98

 that I taxed him with partiality, in pretty severe terms to the no small entertainment of the true English politician, who I joined at my defence of the cause he had so often espoused without success. My morose associate could not put up with the indignity that was offered to Old England, and therefore, with a satirical grin. addressed himself to the general in these words, “Sir, I have often heard it said she's a villanous bird that befouls her own nest. As for what those people who are foreigners say. I don't mind it, but you who were bred and born and have got your bread under the English government, should have more regard to gratitude as well as truth in censuring your native country.—If the ministry have thought fit to lay you aside, I suppose they have their own reasons for so doing. and you ought to remember that you still live on the bounty of this nation. As for these gentlemen (meaning the prince and ambassador) I think they might show a little more respect for these benefactors, who, I must own are to blame in harbouring such ungrateful vagrants as they are! At these words the chevalier in green started up in a great passion, and laying his hand on the hilt of his hanger. exclaimed, “Ha! foutrel!” The Englishman on the other hand grasping his cane cried. Don't foutrel me, sirrah, or by G—d I'll knock you down.”—The company interposed, the Frenchman sat