Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/310

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
300
POLITE CONVERSATION.

Miss. Pray keep your breath to cool your porridge.

Neverout. Miss, there was a very pleasant accident last night at St. James's Park.

Miss [to Lady Smart.] What was it your ladyship was going to say just now?

Neverout. Well, miss; tell a mare a tale —

Miss. I find you love to hear yourself talk.

Neverout. Why, if you won't hear my tale, kiss my, &c.

Miss. Out upon you, for a filthy creature!

Neverout. What, miss! must I tell you a story, and find you ears?

Ld. Sparkish [to Lady Smart.] Pray, madam, don't you think Mrs. Spendall very genteel?

Lady Smart. Why, my lord, I think she was cut out for a gentlewoman, but she was spoil'd in the making: she wears her clothes as if they were thrown on her with a pitchfork; and, for the fashion, I believe they were made in the reign of queen Bess.

Neverout. Well, that's neither here nor there; for you know, the more careless the more modish.

Col. Well, I'd hold a wager there will be a match between her and Dick Dolt: and I believe I can see as far into a millstone as another man.

Miss. Colonel, I must beg your pardon a thousand times; but they say, an old ape has an old eye.

Neverout. Miss, what do you mean! you'll spoil the colonel's marriage, if you call him old.

Col. Not so old, nor yet so cold — You know the rest, miss.

Miss. Manners is a fine thing, truly.

Col. Faith, miss, depend upon't, I'll give you as

good