Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/265

Rh L. B. When you please; what needs more words?

J. B. But tell me, old boy, hast thou laid aside all thy equivocals and mentals in this case?

L. B. There's nothing like matter of fact; seeing is believing.

J. B. Now thou talkest to the purpose; let us shake hands, old boy. Let me ask thee one question more: What hast thou to do, to meddle with the affairs of my family? to dispose of my estate, old boy?

L. B. Just as much as you have to do with the affairs of lord Strutt.

J. B. Ay, but my trade, my very being was concerned in that.

L. B. And my interest was concerned in the other: but let us both drop our pretences; for I believe it is a moot point, whether I am more likely to make a master Bull, or you a lord Strutt.

J. B. Agreed, old boy; but then I must have security, that I shall carry my broad-cloth to market, old boy.

L. B. That you shall: Ecclesdown castle! Ecclesdown! remember that: why would'st thou not take it, when it was offered thee seme years ago?

J. B. I would not take it, because they told me thou would'st not give it me.

L. B. How could monsieur Bull be so grossly abused by downright nonsense? they that advised you to refuse, must have believed I intended to give, else why would they not make the experiment? but I can tell you more of that matter, than perhaps you know at present. Rh