Volume Iv Part 69 (2/2)

_Tim._ Good lack, why, see how Virtue may be bely'd. We heard your Father was a Taylor, but trusting for old _Oliver's_ Funeral broke, and so came hither to hide his Head.--But my service to you; what, you are never the worse?

_Flirt._ Your Honour knows this is a scandalous place, for they say your Honour was but a broken Excise-Man, who spent the King's Money to buy your Wife fine Petticoats; and at last not worth a Groat, you came over a poor Servant, though now a Justice of the Peace, and of the Honourable Council.

_Tim._ Adz zoors, if I knew who 'twas said so, I'd sue him for _Scandalum Magnatum_.

_Dull._ Hang 'em, Scoundrels, hang 'em, they live upon Scandal, and we are Scandal-proof.--They say too, that I was a Tinker, and running the Country, robb'd a Gentleman's House there, was put into _Newgate_, got a Reprieve after Condemnation, and was transported hither; --and that you, _Boozer_, was a common Pick-pocket, and being often flogg'd at the Carts-tale, afterwards turn'd Evidence, and when the Times grew honest was fain to flie.

_Booz._ Ay, ay, Major, if Scandal would have broke our Hearts, we had not arriv'd to the Honour of being Privy-Counsellors.--But come, Mrs.

_Flirt_, what, never a Song to entertain us?

_Flirt._ Yes, and a Singer too newly come ash.o.r.e.

_Tim._ Adz zoors, let's have it then.

Enter a Girl who sings, they bear the Bob.

_Haz._ Here, Maid, a Tankard of your Drink.

_Flirt._ Quickly, _Nell_, wait upon the Gentleman.

_Dull._ Please you, Sir, to taste of our Liquor.--My service to you.

I see you are a Stranger, and alone; please you to come to our Table?

[He rises and comes.

_Flirt._ Come, Sir, pray sit down here; these are very honourable Persons, I a.s.sure you: This is Major _Dullman_, Major of his Excellency's own Regiment, when he arrives; this Mr. _Timorous_, Justice a Peace in _Corum_; this Captain _Boozer_, all of the honourable Council.

_Haz._ With your leave, Gentlemen. [Sits.

_Tim._ My service to you, Sir. [Drinks.

What, have you brought over any Cargo, Sir? I'll be your Customer.

_Booz._ Ay, and cheat him too, I'll warrant him. [Aside.

_Haz._ I was not bred to Merchandizing, Sir, nor do intend to follow the drudgery of Trading.

_Dull._ Men of Fortune seldom travel hither, Sir, to see Fas.h.i.+ons.

_Tim._ Why, Brother, it may be the Gentleman has a mind to be a Planter; will you hire your self to make a Crop of Tobacco this Year?

_Haz._ I was not born to work, Sir.

_Tim._ Not work, Sir! Zoors, your Betters have workt, Sir. I have workt my self, Sir, both set and stript Tobacco, for all I am of the honourable Council. Not work, quoth a!--I suppose, Sir, you wear your Fortune upon your Back, Sir?

_Haz._ Is it your Custom here, Sir, to affront Strangers? I shall expect Satisfaction.

[Rises.

_Tim._ Why, does any body here owe you any thing?

<script>