Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/323

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DIALOGUE I.
313

Lady Smart. I'll tell you one thing, and that's not two; I'm afraid I shall get a fit of the headach to day.

Col. O! madam, don't be afraid; it comes with a fright.

Miss. [to Lady Answerall.] Madam, one of your ladyship's lappets is longer than t'other.

Lady Answ. Well, no matter, they that ride on a trotting horse will ne'er perceive it.

Neverout. Indeed, miss, your lappets hang worse.

Miss. Well, I love a liar in my heart, and you fit me to a hair.


Miss rises up.


Neverout. Deuse take you, miss; you trod on my foot: I hope you don't intend to come to my bedside.

Miss. In troth, you are afraid of your friends, and none of them near you.

Ld. Sparkish. Well said, girl! [giving her a chuck] take that: they say, a chuck under the chin is worth two kisses.

Lady Answ. But, Mr. Neverout, I wonder why such a handsome, straight, young gentleman as you, don't get some rich widow.

Ld. Sparkish. Straight! ay, straight as my leg, and that's crooked at knee.

Neverout. Faith, madam, if it rain'd rich widows, none of them would fall upon me. Egad, I was born under a threepenny planet, never to be worth a groat.

Lady Answ. No, Mr. Neverout; I believe you were born with a caul on your head; you are such a favourite among the ladies: but what think vou of widow Prim? she's immensely rich.

Neverout.