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J. BULL. But what say'st thou as to the esquire, Nic. Frog, and the rest of the tradesmen? I must take care of them.

L. BABOON. Thou hast but small obligations to Nic. to my certain knowledge: he has not used thee like a gentleman.

J. BULL. Nic. indeed is not very nice in your punctilios of ceremony; he is clownish, as a man may say belching and calling of names have been allowed him, time out of mind, by prescription: but, however, we are engaged in one common cause, and I must look after him.

L. BABOON. All matters that relate to him, and the rest of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit, I will refer to your justice.

CHAP. XIX.

Nic. Frog's letter to John Bull; wherein he endeavours to vindicate all his conduct, with relation to John Bull and the lawsuit.

NIC. perceived now that his cully had eloped, that John intended henceforth to deal without a broker; but he was resolved to leave no stone unturned to recover his bubble: among other artifices, he wrote a most obliging letter, which he sent him printed in a fair character.

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"WHEN I considered the late ill usage I have met "with from you, I was reflecting what it was that could

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"provoke you to it, but upon a narrow inspection "into my conduct, I can find nothing to reproach

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myself with, but too partial a concern for your in"terest. You no sooner set this composition afoot, "but I was ready to comply, and prevented your

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very wishes; and the affair might have been ended "before now, had it not been for the greater concerns "of esquire South, and the other poor creatures em"barked in the same common cause, whose safety "touches me to the quick. You seemed a little 'jealous, that I had dealt unfairly with you in money"matters, till it appeared by your own accounts, "that there was something due to me upon the "balance. Having nothing to answer to so plain "a demonstration, you began to complain, as if I "had been familiar with your reputation; when it is "well known, not only I, but the meanest servants. "in my family, talk of you with the utmost respect. "I have always, as far as in me lies, exhorted your "servants and tenants to be dutiful: not that I any way meddle in your domestick affairs, which were very unbecoming for me to do. If some of your servants express their great concern for you, in a "manner that is not so very polite, you ought to

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impute it to their extraordinary zeal, which deserves a reward rather than a reproof. You cannot reproach me for want of success at the Salutation, "since I am not master of the passions and interests "of other folks. I have beggared myself with this

lawsuit, undertaken merely in complaisance to you ; "and if you would have had but a little patience, I "had still greater things in reserve, that I intended "to have done for you. I hope, what I have said 'will prevail with you to lay aside your unreasonable "jealousies,

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"jealousies, and that we may have no more meetings. at the Salutation, spending our time and money to "no purpose. My concern for your welfare and prosperity almost makes me mad. You may be "assured I will continue to be

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"Your affectionate

"Friend and servant,

NIC. FROG."

John received this with a good deal of sang froid: transeat, quoth John, cum cæteris erroribus. He was now at his ease; he saw he could now make a very good bargain for himself, and a very safe one for other folks. "My shirt," quoth he, "is near me, but my "skin is nearer: while I take care of the welfare of "other folks, nobody can blame me to apply a little "balsam to my own sores. It's a pretty thing, after all, "for a man to do his own business; a man has such "a tender concern for himself, there's nothing like it. "This is something better, I trow, than for John "Bull to be standing in the market, like a great dray-horse, with Frog's paws upon his head."What will you give me for this beast?-Serviteur "Nic. Frog, you may kiss my backside if you please. Though John Bull has not read your Aristotles, Platoes, and Machiavels, he can see as far into a "millstone as another." With that John began to chuckle and laugh, till he was like to have burst his sides.

CHAP.

CHAP. XX.

The discourse that passed between Nic. Frog ant Esquire South, which John Bull overheard.

JOHN thought every minute a year, till he got into Ecclesdown castle; he repairs to the Salutation, with a design to break the matter gently to his partners; before he entered, he overheard Nic. and the esquire in a very pleasant conference.

Esq. SOUTH. O the ingratitude and injustice of mankind! that John Bull, whom I have honoured with my friendship and protection so long, should flinch at last, and pretend that he can disburse no more money for me! that the family of the Souths, by his sneaking temper, should be kept out of their

own!

NIC. FROG. An't like your worship, I am in amaze at it; I think the rogue should be compelled to his duty.

ESQ. SOUTH. That he should prefer his scandalous pelf, the dust and dregs of the earth, to the prosperity and grandeur of my family!

NIC. FROG. Nay, he is mistaken there too; for he would quickly lick himself whole again by his vales. It's strange he should prefer Philip Baboon's custom to esquire South's.

Esq. SOUTH. As you say, that my clothier, that is to get so much by the purchase, should refuse to

Negotiations between the emperor and the Dutch for continuing the war, and getting the property of Flanders.

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put me in possession; did you ever know any man's tradesmen serve him so before?

NIC. FROG. No, indeed, an't please your worship, it is a very unusual proceeding; and I would not have been guilty of it for the world. If your honour had not a great stock of moderation and patience, you would not bear it so well as you do.

Esq. SOUTH. It is most intolerable, that's certain, Nic., and I will be revenged.

NIC. FROG. Methinks it is strange, that Philip Baboon's tenants do not all take your honour's part, considering how good and gentle a master you are.

ESQ

Esq. SOUTH. True, Nic., but few are sensible of merit in this world: it is a great comfort to have so faithful a friend as thyself in so critical a juncture.

NIC. FROG. If all the world should forsake you, be assured Nic. Frog never will; let us stick to our point, and we'll manage Bull, I'll warrant ye.

Esq. SOUTH. Let me kiss thee, dear Nic., I have found one honest man among a thousand at last.

NIC. FROG. If it were possible, your honour has it in your power to wed me still closer to your in

terest.

Esq. SOUTH. Tell me quickly, dear Nic.

NIC. FROG. You know I am your tenant; the difference between my lease and an inheritance is such a trifle, as I am sure you will not grudge your poor friend; that will be an encouragement to go on; besides, it will make Bull as mad as the devil: you and I shall be able to manage him then to some purpose.

ESQ. SOUTH. Say no more, it shall be done, Nic., to thy heart's content.

John

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