Page:The Hind and Panther transvers'd to the story of the country mouse and the city mouse (1709).djvu/28

 Bayes.Poh! There's the Trick on't. Poor Fools, they took it, and were satisfied: And yet it maul'd 'em damnably I'gad.

Smith.Why Faith, Mr. Bayes, there's this very Contrivance in the Preface to Dear Joys Jests.

Bayes.What a Devil, do you think that I'd steal from such an Author? Or ever read it?

Smith.I can't tell, but you sometimes read as bad. I have heard you quote Reynard the Fox.

Bayes.Why there's it now; take it from me, Mr. Smith, there is as good Morality, and as sound Precepts, in the Delectable History of Reynard the Fox, as in any Book I know, except Seneca. Pray tell me where in any other Author could I have found so pretty a Name for a Wolf as Isgrim? But prithee, Mr. Smith, give me no more trouble, and let me go on with my Mouse.

There's Court Language for you; nothing gives a Verse so fine a turn as an Air of good Breeding.

Smith.But methinks the Levee's and Couchee's of a Mouse are too great, especially when she is walking from Court to the cooler Shades.

Bayes.I'gad now have you forgot what I told you that she was a Princess. But pray mind; here the two Mice meet.

Smith.Methinks, Mr. Bayes, this Mouse is strangely alter'd, since she fear'd no Danger.

Bayes.Godsokers! Why no more she does not yet fear either Man or Beast: But, poor Creature, she's afraid of the Water, for she could not swim, as you see by this.