Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/246

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URING the time of the foregoing transactions, don Diego was entertaining John Bull.

D. D. I hope, sir, this day's proceeding will convince you of the sincerity of your old friend Diego and the treachery of sir Roger.

J. B. What's the matter now?

D. D. You have been endeavouring, for several years, to have justice done upon that rogue Jack; but what through the remissness of constables, justices, and packed juries, he has always found the means to escape.

J. B. What then?

D. D. Consider then, who is your best friend; he that would have brought him to condign punishment, or he that has saved him. By my persuasion Jack had hanged himself, if sir Roger had not cut him down.

J. B. Who told you, that sir Roger has done so?

D. D. You seem to receive me coldly: methinks my services deserve a better return.

J. B. Since you value yourself upon hanging this poor scoundrel, I tell you, when I have any more hanging-work, I'll send for thee: I have some better employment for sir Roger: In the mean time, I desire the poor fellow may be looked after. When he first came out of the north country into my family, under the pretended name of Timothy Trim, the