Page:Fun upon fun, or, The comical and merry tricks of Leper the tailor (2).pdf/22

 on land; but how he came by this money no person could tell. There were various conjectures about it, but no person could make it out. He also made a Will according to law; in which he made his son heir of all his money and effects, which amonntedamounted [sic] to fifteen hundred pounds; and the next day he died in great pain. He was washed and dressed, according to the custom, and remained so for twelve hours. At which his son and two other gentlemen, who lived near the town, were present, sitting where the funeral was to be ordered, he started up in the bed, to the great surprize of all present! When they saw that, they began to run to the door, striving who'd be out first, the son being almost dead with fear.

The father called to them not to be afraid 'For tho'  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, its extravagant Sir, its 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 his el