The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman/Volume 7/Chapter 34
CHAP. XXXIV.
When all was set to rights, I came down stairs again into the basse cour with my valet de place, in order to sally out towards the tomb of the two lovers, &c.—and was a second time stopp'd at the gate—not by the ass—but by the person who struck him; and who, by that time, had taken possession (as is not uncommon after a defeat) of the very spot of ground where the ass stood.
It was a commissary sent to me from the post-office, with a rescript in his hand for the payment of some six livres odd sous.
Upon what account? said I.—'Tis upon the part of the king, replied the commissary, heaving up both his shoulders———
———My good friend, quoth I—as sure as I am I—and you are you———
———And who are you? said he.— ———Don't puzzle me; said I.