Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/87

 THE GREAT FROST.

Cold doings in London. A Dialogue.

THE SPEAKERS.

'''A Citizen. A Countryman.'''

Citizen. Old Father, you are most heartily welcome to London!

Countryman. Sir, I give you most kind and hearty thanks: but you must pardon me, I am an old man and have those defects that go along with old age. I have both bad eyes to discern my friends and a weak memory to keep their names in mind. I have quite lost the remembrance of you.

Cit. Nay, father, I am a mere stranger to you: but seeing white hairs to cover your head as well as mine own, I make bold to reach out my hand to you. There is honesty in your very looks; and every honest man is worthy, and ought to be taken into acquaintance.

Coun. I am beholden to you for this courtesy. You citizens are civil, and we poor country fellows are plain: but albeit I walk in russet and coarse grey, I have a true heart. What is your pleasure, Sir?