Part 10 (1/2)

_Bell._ Sir, I humbly beg Pardon. (_Bowing very low_)

_Shar._ Well, beg Pardon and be satisfied. I think you have reason--here I shall have you Master of six or seven thousand pounds per Annum, as you call it, and almost a Plumb and a half in ready Cole, and you are not satisfied; say one Word more and I'll tear my Will, or leave every s.h.i.+lling to the Inhabitants of Bedlam or to the Man that finds out the Longitude.

_Bell._ I have done, Sir.

_Shar._ Pray then have done, Sir, and don't fret me.

_Bell._ An impudent Rogue, but I must not contend with him now.

(_Aside_)

_Shar._ Lord, it is as much trouble to give away an Estate as to get it.

_Doct._ Mr. Bellair, you should not interrupt the Testator; at such a time his Mind should not be disturbed.

_Shar._ You are in the right, Doctor Leatherhead. Let me see, have I no Friend that I care to oblige with two or three thousand--I am in such a generous Temper that I don't care to leave off yet. I have a great Mind to give Shark a handful over, but----

_Bell._ Sir!

_Shar._ No, I believe I have done.

_Doct._ Will you please to sign then?

_Shar._ That I would with all my Heart, but that the Gout and Palsy prevent me.

_Doct._ Then we must observe, Mr. Littlewit, that the said Testator does declare his inability to write.

_Shar._ Is the Bond to my Nephew ready?

_Little._ Yes Sir.

_Shar._ But is it strong, and so well drawn that the old Nick himself should he turn Pettyfogger could not reverse it?

_Doct._ It is, Sir.

_Shar._ Very well.

_Doct._ There if you please to make your mark by touching the Pen.

(_Shark touches the Pen_) So, and put the Watch over his Hand, and let him take off the Seal--so, very well, Sir, you publish and declare this to be your last Will and Testament, and desire Doctor Leatherhead and Mr. Littlewit to be Witnesses thereunto?

_Shar._ I do.

(_All the ceremony of signing and sealing and delivering is performed_)

_Doct._ Very well, Sir Isaac, I will take care they shall be properly registered.

_Shar._ I beg, good Folks, that you will slip into the next Room for a few Moments while I compose myself after this intolerable Fatigue; Nephew, pray shew them in, and do the Honours of my House in the genteelest Manner.

_Bell._ I shall, Sir.--Doctor Leatherhead, Mr. Littlewit--will you walk in, Gentlemen?

_Doct._ Sir, your Servant, Sir.