Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/309

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DIALOGUE I.
299

searching my pockets for my snuffbox, and, egad, here it is in my hand.

Miss. If it bad been a bear, it would have bit you, colonel: well, I wish I had such a snuffbox.

Neverout. You'll be long enough before you wish your skin full of eyelet-holes.

Col. Wish in one hand —

Miss. Out upon you: Lord, what can the man mean?

Ld. Sparkish. This tea is very hot.

Lady Answ. Why, it came from a hot place, my lord.


Colonel spills his tea.


Lady Smart. That's as well done as if I had done it myself.

Col. Madam, I find you live by ill neighbours, when you are forc'd to praise yourself.

Lady Smart. So they pray'd me to tell you.

Neverout. Well, I won't drink a drop more; if I do, 'twill go down like chopt hay.

Miss. Pray, don't say no, till you are asked.

Neverout. Well, what you please, and the rest again.


Miss stooping for a pin.


Miss. I have heard 'em say, that a pin a day is a groat a year. Well, as I hope to be married, forgive me for swearing, I vow 'tis a needle.

Col. O! the wonderful works of nature, that a black hen should lay a white egg!

Neverout. What! you have found a mare's nest, and laugh at the eggs?

Miss.