Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/278

272 and october flew about as plentifully as kennel-water: then a frolick took John in the head to call up some of Nic. Frog's pensioners, that had been so mutinous in his family.

J. B. Are you glad to see your master in Ecclesdown castle?

All. Yes, indeed, sir.

J. B. Extremely glad?

All. Extremely glad, sir.

J. B. Swear to me, that you are so.

Then they began to damn and sink their souls to the lowest pit of Hell, if any person in the world rejoiced more than they did.

J. B. Now hang me, if I don't believe you are a parcel of perjured rascals; however, take this bumper of october to your master's health.

Then John got upon the battlements, and, looking over, he called to Nic. Frog:

"How d'ye do, Nic.? D'ye see where I am, Nic.? I hope the cause goes on swimmingly, Nic. When dost thou intend to go to Claypool, Nic.? Wilt thou buy there some high heads of the newest cut for my daughters? How comest thou to go with thy arm tied up? Has old Lewis given thee a rap over thy fingers-ends? Thy weapon was a good one, when I wielded it, but the butt-end remains in my hands. I am so busy in packing up my goods, that I have no time to talk with thee any longer. It would do thy heart good to see what waggon-loads I am preparing for market. If thou wantest any good office of mine, for all that has happened, I will use thee well, Nic.B'uy Nic."