Page:Comical sayings of Paddy from Cork (4).pdf/5

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Tom. For what did he beat you? was it for your madness and foolish tricks?

Teag. Dear shoy, it was not : but for being to a inquisitive, and going sharply about business. First, he sent me to the post office, to inquire if there were any letters for him; so when I came there, said I, is there any letters here for my master to-day?- Then they asked who was my master; sir, said I, it is very bad manners in you to ask any gentleman's name; at this they laaghed, mocking me, and said they could give me none, if I would not tell my master's name: so I returned to my master, and told him the impudence of the fellow, who would give me no letters unless I would tell him your vame, master. My master at this flew in a passion, and kicked me down stairs, saying, go you rogue, and tell my name directly, how can the gentleman give letters when he knows not who is asking for them. Then I returned and told my master's name, so they told there was one for him, I looked at it, being very small, and asking the price of it, they told me it was sixpence? sixpence, said I, will you take sixpence for that small thing, and selling big. ger ones for twopence; faith I am not such a big fool; you think to cheat me now, this is not a conscionable way of dealing, I'll acquaint my master with it first: so I came and told my master how hey would have sixpence for his letter, and was selling bigger ones for twopence; he took up my ahead and broke his cane with it, calling me a thousand fools, saying, the man was more just than to take any thing but the right for it; but I was sure there was none of them right, buying and selling such dear penay-worths. So I came again for my dear sixpence letter; and as the fellow was shuffling through a parcel of them, seeking for it again, to make the best of a dear market, I pict up two, and home I comes to my master, thinking he would be pleased with what I had done; now, said I, master,