Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/197

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JOHN BULL.
191

three brothers, that have made such a clutter in the world, lord Peter, Martin, and Jack, Jack had of late been her inclinations[1]: lord Peter she detested; nor did Martin stand much better in her good graces, but Jack hath found the way to her heart. I have often admired, what charms she discovered in that awkward booby, till I talked with a person that was acquainted with the intrigue, who gave me the following account of it.





CHAP. III.


Jack's charms, or the method by which he gained Peg's heart[2].


IN the first place. Jack was a very young fellow, by much the youngest of the three brothers, and people, indeed, wondered how such a young upstart jackanapes should grow so pert and saucy, and take so much upon him.

Jack bragged of greater abilities than other men; he was well gifted, as he pretended; I need not tell you what secret influence that has upon the ladies.

Jack had a most scandalous tongue, and persuaded Peg that all mankind, beside himself, were poxed by that scarlet-faced whore signiora Bubonia[3]. "As for his brother, lord Peter, the tokens were evident

  1. Love of presbytery.
  2. Character of the presbyterians.
  3. The whore of Babylon, or the pope.

" on