Thr. Let him look to what he says, it is enough for me that I believe I am absolv’d.

Ha. But you run a great Hazard by that Belief, for perhaps that will not be Satisfaction to God, to whom thou art indebted.

Thr. Who a Mischief put you in my Way to disturb my Conscience, which was very quiet before?

Ha. Nay, I think it is a very happy Encounter to meet a Friend that gives good Advice.

Thr. I can’t tell how good it is, but I am sure it is not very pleasant.

The COMMANDS OF A MASTER.

The ARGUMENT.

This Colloquy treats of the Commands of a Master, and the Business of a Servant, 1.  The Master calls up his sleepy Servant, commands him to set the House to rights; the Servant answers again, that he speaks not a Word about Dinner, &c. 2.  Of sending him on various Errands. 3.  Concerning Riding.

1. Of calling up the Sleeper.

RABANUS, SYRUS.

RA. Soho, soho, Rascal, I am hoarse a bawling to you, and you lye snoring still, you’ll sleep for ever I think in my Conscience; either get up presently or I’ll rouze you with a good Cudgel.  When will you have slept out your Yesterday’s Debauch?  Are you not asham’d, you sleepy Sot, to lye a-bed till this time of Day?  Good Servants rise as soon as it is Day, and take Care to get every Thing in order before their Master rises.  How loth this Drone is to leave his warm Nest! he is a whole Hour a scratching, and stretching, and yawning.

Sy. It is scarce Day yet.

Ra. I believe not to you; it is Midnight yet to your Eyes.

Sy. What do you want me to do?

Ra. Make the Fire burn, brush my Cap and Cloke, clean my Shoes and Galloshoes, take my Stockings and turn them inside out, and brush them well, first within, and then without, burn a little Perfume to sweeten the Air, light a Candle, give me a clean Shirt, air it well before a clear Fire.

Sy. It shall be done Sir.

Ra. But make Haste then, all this ought to have been done before now.

Sy. I do make Haste Sir.

Ra. I see what Haste you make, you are never the forwarder, you go a Snail’s Gallop.

Sy. Sir, I cannot do two Things at once.

Ra. You Scoundrel, do you speak Sentences too?  Take away the Chamber-Pot, lay the Bed-Clothes to Rights, draw back the Curtains, sweep the House, sweep the Chamber-floor, fetch me some Water to wash my Hands.  What are you a sliving about you Drone?  You are a Year a lighting a Candle.

Sy. I can’t find a Spark of Fire.

Ra. Is it so you rak’d it up last Night?

Sy. I have no Bellows.

Ra. How the Knave thwarts me, as if he that has you can want Bellows.