Ar. I don’t speak slightingly of Indulgencies themselves, but I laugh at the Folly of my fuddling Companion, who tho’ he was the greatest Trifler that ever was born, yet chose rather to venture the whole Stress of his Salvation upon a Skin of Parchment than upon the Amendment of his Life.  But when shall we have that merry Bout you spoke of just now?

Co. When Opportunity offers we’ll set a Time for a small Collation, and invite some of our Comrades, there we will tell Lies, who can lye fastest, and divert one another with Lies till we have our Bellies full.

Ar. Come on, a Match.

OF BENEFICE-HUNTERS.

The ARGUMENT.

In this Colloquy those Persons are reprehended that run to and again to Rome hunting after Benefices, and that oftentimes with the Hazard of the Corruption of their Morals, and the Loss of their Money.  The Clergy are admonished to divert themselves with reading of good Books, rather than with a Concubine.  Jocular Discourse concerning a long Nose.

PAMPHAGUS, COCLES.

PAM. Either my Sight fails me, or this is my old Pot-Companion Cocles.

Co. No, no, your Eyes don’t deceive you at all, you see a Companion that is yours heartily.  Nobody ever thought to have seen you again, you have been gone so many Years, and no Body knew what was become of you.  But whence come you from?  Prithee tell me.

Pa. From the Antipodes.

Co. Nay, but I believe you are come from the fortunate Islands.

Pa. I am glad you know your old Companion, I was afraid I should come home as Ulysses did.

Co. Why pray?  After what Manner did he come Home?

Pa. His own Wife did not know him; only his Dog, being grown very old, acknowledg’d his Master, by wagging his Tail.

Co. How many Years was he from Home?

Pa. Twenty.

Co. You have been absent more than twenty Years, and yet I knew your Face again.  But who tells that Story of Ulysses?

Pa. Homer.

Co. He?  They say he’s the Father of all fabulous Stories.  It may be his Wife had gotten herself a Gallant in the mean time, and therefore did not know her own Ulysses.

Pa. No, nothing of that, she was one of the chastest Women in the World.  But Pallas had made Ulysses look old, that he might not be known.

Co. How came he to be known at last?

Pa. By a little Wart that he had upon one of his Toes.  His Nurse, who was now a very old Woman, took Notice of that as she was washing his Feet.

Co. A curious old Hagg.  Well then, do you admire that I know you that have so remarkable a Nose.

Pa. I am not at all sorry for this Nose.