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end, rather than any of the poor devils belonging to her should wrong her of a doit's-worth. Thou'lt have rare feeding truly when she comes amongst us.

Gar. Heaven forbid it then! No wonder thou'rt anxious she should not come here. I always wonder'd what made thee so concern'd about it.

Rob. And dost thou think, swine that thou art, I am concern'd for it upon this account? Thou deservest to be fed on husks and garbage all thy life for having such a thought. I, who was the friend, I may say the relation of my good mistress (for thou knowest I am her foster brother) and when I look upon her poor children playing about, I feel as tho' they were my own flesh and blood. It is not that I boast of the connection: God knows I am as humble as any body!

Gar. Ay, no doubt; and a rare good thing it is, this same humility. I know a poor ass, grazing on the common, not far off, that to my certain knowledge is foster brother to a very great lord, and yet, I must say that for him, I never saw him prick up his ears or even shake his tail one bit the more for it in my life. By my certics! he must be a very meek and sober minded ass! (singing and gathering up his tools, &c.) Take this in your hand for me, man; I'm going to another part of the garden. (holding out something for Robert to carry.)

''Rob. (pushing away his hand angrily.)'' Take care of it yourself, fool: you would sing tho' your father were upon the gallows.