Page:Witty and entertaining exploits of George Buchanan (11).pdf/22



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off honestly. and being prosecuted to return it, he excused himself, telling the judge that he took nothing but what-vas given him. And therefore he was honorably acquitted, and the other heartily laughed at.

A Scotsman being reduced to poverty, made his complaint to George to put him in a way to get money; George told him if he would follow his directions he would try it. There was an old miser a usurer and money-changer hard by, George told the fellow to pretend an errand to the miser, and when he came to the table where the heaps of money lay, to thrust his hand among the gold, but to lift none, and to run off. This the poor fellow did, and was chased by the miser and his servants, who ran after him into the street, crying Stop the thief! The poor fellow was was stopt. (as George had desired him to let them catch him) George appeared in the mob and went along with him, who was carried before a judge, where he was searched and nothing being found upon him, he was acquitted, and the miser fined in a large sum for accusing him. Afterwards, George desired him to go to the same place, and thrust in both his hands, and lift up as much as he could, and run off. This he did, but the miser told him he was not such a fool as to follow him, for he knew he designed to play the fool to hafe him fined again. By these means the poor fellow was enriched and afterwards lived honestly.

George being at dinner one day, where the broth was exceeding hot, burnt his mouth, at the same time letting a loud fart. It is very good for you, says George, that you made your escape, for I should have burnt you alive had you staid.

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