Page:The Hind and Panther transvers'd to the story of the country mouse and the city mouse (1709).djvu/16

 of the same stamp with mine, Gad I may be knockt down for all your fair promises.

Smith.Nay, prithee Bayes, what damn'd Villany hast thou been about, that thou'rt under these Apprehensions? Upon my Honour I'm thy Friend; yet thou lookest as sneaking and frighted as a Dog that has been worrying Sheep.

Bayes,Ay Sir, The Nation is in too high a Ferment for me to expect any Mercy, or I'gad, to trust any Body.

Smith.But why this to us, my Old Friend, who you know never trouble our Heads with National Concerns, till the third Bottle has taught us as much of Politicks as the next does of Religion?

Bayes.Ah! Gentlemen, leave this Prophaneness, I am alter'd since you saw me, and cannot bear this loose Talk now; Mr. Johnson, you are a Man of Parts, let me desire you to read the Guide of Controversy; and Mr. Smith, I would recommend to you the Considerations on the Council of Trent, and so Gentlemen your humble Servant.—Good life be now my Task.

Johns.Nay, Faith, we won't part so: Believe us, we are both your Friends; let us step to the Rose for one quarter of an Hour, and talk over old Stories.

Bayes.I ever took you to be Men of Honour, and for your sakes I will transgress as far as one Pint.

Johns.Well, Mr. Bayes, many a merry Bout have we had in this House, and shall have again, I hope: Come, what Wine are you for?

Bayes.Gentlemen, do you as you please, for my part he shall bring me a single Pint of any thing.

Smith.How so, Mr. Bayes, have you lost your Pallat? you have been more curious.

Bayes.True, I have so; but Senses must be starv'd, that the Soul may be gratified. Men of