Volume Iii Part 60 (2/2)

_Gay_. Why, you gormandizing Vermin you, what have you done with the Three pence I gave you a fortnight ago.

_Rag_. Alas, Sir, that's all gone long since.

_Gay_. You gutling Rascal, you are enough to breed a Famine in a Land. I have known some industrious Footmen, that have not only gotten their own Livings, but a pretty Livelihood for their Masters too.

_Rag_. Ay, till they came to the Gallows, Sir.

_Gay_. Very well, Sirrah, they died in an honourable Calling--but hark ye, _Rag_,--I have business, very earnest business abroad this Evening; now were you a Rascal of Docity, you wou'd invent a way to get home my last Suit that was laid in Lavender--with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging, as Perriwig, Cravat, and so forth.

_Rag_. Faith, Master, I must deal in the black Art then, for no human means will do't--and now I talk of the black Art, Master, try your Power once more with my Landlady.

_Gay_. Oh! name her not, the thought on't turns my Stomach--a sight of her is a Vomit; but he's a bold Hero that dares venture on her for a kiss, and all beyond that sure is h.e.l.l it self--yet there's my last, last Refuge--and I must to this Wedding--I know not what,--but something whispers me,--this Night I shall be happy--and without _Julia_ 'tis impossible!

_Rag. Julia_, who's that? my Lady _Fulbank_, Sir?

_Gay_. Peace, Sirrah--and call--a--no--Pox on't, come back--and yet--yes--call my fulsome Landlady.

[_Exit_ Rag.

Sir _Cautious_ knows me not by Name or Person.

And I will to this Wedding, I'm sure of seeing _Julia_ there.

And what may come of that--but here's old Nasty coming.

I smell her up--hah, my dear Landlady.

_Enter _Rag_ and _Landlady.

Quite out of breath--a Chair there for my Landlady.

_Rag_. Here's ne'er a one, Sir.

_Land_. More of your Money and less of your Civility, good Mr.

_Wasteall_.

_Gay_. Dear Landlady--

_Land_. Dear me no Dears, Sir, but let me have my Money--Eight Weeks Rent last Friday; besides Taverns, Ale-houses, Chandlers, Landresses'

Scores, and ready Money out of my Purse; you know it, Sir.

_Gay_. Ay, but your Husband don't; speak softly.

_Land_. My Husband! what, do you think to fright me with my Husband?-- I'd have you to know I'm an honest Woman, and care not this--for my Husband. Is this all the thanks I have for my kindness, for patching, borrowing and s.h.i.+fting for you; 'twas but last Week I p.a.w.n'd my best Petticoat, as I hope to wear it again, it cost me six and twenty s.h.i.+llings besides Making; then this Morning my new _Norwich_ Mantua followed, and two postle Spoons, I had the whole dozen when you came first; but they dropt, and dropt, till I had only _Judas_ left for my Husband.

_Gay_. Hear me, good Landlady.

_Land_. Then I've past my word at the _George Tavern_, for forty s.h.i.+llings for you, ten s.h.i.+llings at my Neighbour _Squabs_ for Ale, besides seven s.h.i.+llings to Mother _Suds_ for Was.h.i.+ng; and do you fob me off with my Husband?

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