Page:Fun upon fun, or, The comical and merry tricks of Leper the tailor (1).pdf/24

24 not my friends that told you that. — 'Indeed, I am informed you are a drunkard.' — 'I a drunkard, — You have not a soberer man in your parish. Stop sir, I will tell you how I lead my life, — in the morning I take a choppin of ale and a bit of bread; that I call my morning; for breakfast I generally take a herring and a choppin of ale, for I cannot sup brose like my lads; the herring makes me dry, so at eleven hours, I take a pint, and sometimes three choppins: at supper I take a bit of bread and cheese, and a pint, and so go to bed.' Mess John says, 'It's extravagant, sir, it's excessive drinking, I allow you the one half of it for a quarter of a year.' Says Leper, 'I'll try it, sir, and come back and tell you. At the end of the quarter he draws out his account, and goes to Mess John, who was sitting with the elders in the session house, and says, 'Sir, I have a demand on you;' 'On me sir?' 'Yes, on you, sir; Don't you remember you allowed me so much drink for a quarter of a year, and I want the money.' 'Am I to pay your reckoning, Sir.' 'You allowed it, and if you won't pay it, I'll take you before the Provost.' The elders advised him to pay it, or he would be affronted; so Leper got the money. When he was at the door, he says, 'Sir, will you stand another quarter? Get away, says Mess John, and don't trouble me. Leper says, I am sure you may, for I am always two pence to your penny.