Li. He promis’d me largely, but he has never sent me a Farthing.

Ge. Then you must live in Hopes.

Li. Ay, but that won’t fill the Belly; they that feed upon Hope may be said to hang, but not to live.

Ge. But however then, you were the lighter for travelling, not having your Pockets loaded.

Li. I confess that, nay, and safer too; for an empty Pocket is the best Defence in the World against Thieves; but for all that, I had rather have the Burthen and the Danger too.

Ge. You was not robb’d of any Thing by the Way, I hope?

Li. Robb’d!  What can you rob a Man of that has nothing?  There was more Reason for other Folks to be afraid of me, than I of them, having never a Penny in my Pocket.  I might sing and be starved all the Way I went.  Have you anything more to say?

Ge. Where are you going now?

Li. Strait Home, to see how all do there, whom I han’t seen this long Time.

Ge. I wish you may find all well at Home.

Li. I pray God I may.  Has any Thing new happen’d at our House since I went away?

Ge. Nothing but only you’ll find your Family bigger than it was; for your Catulla has brought you a little Catulus since you have been gone.  Your Hen has laid you an Egg.

Li. That’s good News, I like your News, and I’ll promise to give you a Gospel for it.

Ge. What Gospel?  The Gospel according to St. Matthew?

Li. No, but according to Homer.  Here take it.

Ge. Keep your Gospel to yourself, I have Stones enough at Home.

Li. Don’t slight my Present, it is the Eagle’s Stone; It is good for Women with Child; it is good to bring on their Labour.

Ge. Say you so?  Then it is a very acceptable Present to me, and I’ll endeavour to make you Amends.

Li. The Amends is made already by your kind Acceptance.

Ge. Nay, nothing in the World could come more seasonably, for my Wife’s Belly is up to her Mouth almost.

Li. Then I’ll make this Bargain with you; that if she has a Boy, you will let me be the Godfather.

Ge. Well I’ll promise you that, and that you shall name it too.

Li. I wish it may be for both our Good.

Ge. Nay, for all our Good.

* * * * *

MAURICE, CYPRIAN.

Ma. You are come back fatter than you used to be:  You are returned taller.

Cy. But in Truth I had rather it had been wiser, or more learned.

Ma. You had no Beard when you went away; but you have brought a little one back with you.  You are grown somewhat oldish since you went away.  What makes you look so pale, so lean, so wrinkled?