Page:Passions 2.pdf/92

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80
THE ELECTION:


Second Vote. Ay, and he was always ready to knock any body down that was not as hearty as himself. That was what I liked in him. That was the true spirit. That was the true roast beef of old England.

First Vote. And he had such a good knack at a toast. Come, stand up, Mr. Alderman. We have drunk already to the ancient family of the Baltimores, give us some other good public toast. You have a good knack at the business too. I would give you one myself, but then I doesn't know how to do it for want of education.

Ald. (standing up conceitedly.) May all the king, and the queen, and the royal family, and all the rest of the nobility and members of parliament, serving over them and under us be good; and may all us, serving under them again, be—be—be happy and be good too, and be—and be—

Second Vote. Just as we should be.

First Vote. Ay, just so. Very well and very nicely said, Mr. Alderman!

Second Vote. But does nobody drink to the navy of old England.

Ald. Yes, man: stop a little, and I'll have a touch at that too.

First Vote. Ay, do so. I stand up for the British navy; that I do. The sea is our only true friend either by land or by water. Come, give us a sailor's song, Will Weatherall. I have lived upon dry land all my days, and never saw better than a little punt-boat shov'd across the ferry for a sixpence; but some how or other I have a kindness for every