Sir John. Mr. Roseband, you must not mind the Fox-hunter; you know his Way; he treats his Friends as freely as he wishes they would treat him.
Rose. I believe so, Sir John, and therefore am in full Charity with Mr. Overall. But I can’t so readily digest my Neighbour Blunt’s coupling the English Vicar with the Romish Jesuit.
Blunt. In their Politics only; as for Religion, I leave that to the great Searcher of Hearts.
Over. Ah, dear Blunt! how many modern Hearts will bear a Search?
Blunt. Ask Mr. Broadbottom; he was last at Court.
Broad. I was so, Mr. Blunt, but you know I am but a late Comer there.
Blunt. Perhaps it had been as well for yourself and your Country, if you had not come there at all.—— You’ll excuse my Bluntness, Mr. Broadbottom, you know I speak freely to those I wish well.
Broad. I know your Worth, and thank you for your Freedom.
Blunt. I hope you do, because I mean to continue and deserve your Friendship, if you continue your Country’s Friend at Court.——To be plain with you, Mr. Broadbottom, I am not altogether reconciled to the critical Time and Manner of your going to Court. ’tis an infectious Air, against which Abstinence alone is the Specific.
Over. ’Sflesh! Blunt, you don’t expect your late worthy Member, who so often cram’d your Brother Aldermen and yourself with Ham and Chicken, would keep Lent at Court?