Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/264

258 usage of your neighbours, you had best not dwell too much upon that chapter; let it suffice, at present, that you have been met with: you have been rolling a great stone up hill all your life, and at last it has come tumbling down, till it is like to crush you to pieces: plain dealing is best. If you have any particular mark, Mr. Baboon, whereby one may know when you fib, and when you speak truth, you had best tell it me, that one may proceed accordingly; but since at present I know of none such, it is better that you should trust me, than that I shall trust you.

L. B. I know of no particular mark of veracity among us tradesmen, but interests and it is manifestly mine not to deceive you at this time; you may safely trust me, I can assure you.

J. B. The trust I give is in short this; I must have something in hand, before I make the bargain, and the rest before it is concluded.

L. B. To show you I deal fairly, name your something.

J. B. I need not tell you, old boy; thou canst guess.

L. B. Ecclesdown castle, I'll warrant you, because it has been formerly in your family! Say no more, you shall have it.

J. B. I shall have it to m'own self?

L. B. To thy n'own self.

J. B. Every wall, gate, room, and inch of Ecclesdown castle, you say?

L. B. Just so.

J. B. Every single stone of Ecclesdown castle, to m'own self, speedily? L. B.