Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/261

Rh concerned for your safety as I am, have employed me as their orator, I desire to know whether you will have it by way of syllogism, enthymem, dilemma, or sorites."

John now began to be diverted with their extravagance.]

J. B. Let's have a sorites by all means; though they are all new to me.

F. It is evident to all, who are versed in history, that there were two sisters that played the whore two thousand years ago: therefore it plainly follows, that it is not lawful for John Bull to have any manner of intercourse with Lewis Baboon: if it is not lawful for John Bull to have any manner of intercourse (correspondence if you will, that is much the same thing), then à fortiori, it is much more unlawful for the said John to make over his wife and children to the said Lewis: if his wife and children are not to be made over, he is not to wear a dagger and ratsbane in his pockets: if he wears a dagger and ratsbane, it must be to do mischief to himself or somebody else: if he intends to do mischief, he ought to be under guardians, and there is none so fit as myself, and some other worthy persons, who have a commission for that purpose from Nic. Frog, the executor of his will and testament.

J. B. And this is your sorites, you say? —— With that he snatched a good tough oaken cudgel, and began to brandish it; then happy was the man, that was first at the door; crowding to get out, they tumbled down stairs, and it is credibly reported some of them dropped very valuable things in the hurry, which were picked up by others of the family. " That