B.—But you are a man of integrity; I can depend upon what you say; I know you will not deceive me; and, therefore, I beg of you to satisfy me.
A.—But I desire you to excuse me, for it is what I never do—I cannot do it.
B.—But, sir, I am in a great strait; I am just selling him a great parcel of goods, and I am willing to sell them too, and yet I am willing to be safe, as you would yourself, if you were in my case.
A.—I tell you, sir, I have always resolved to forbear meddling with the characters of my neighbours—it is an ill office. Besides, I mind my own business; I do not enter into the inquiries after other people's affairs.
B.—Well, sir, I understand you, then; I know what I have to do.
A.—What do you mean by that?
B.—Nothing, sir, but what I suppose you would have me understand by it.
A.—I would have you understand what I say—namely, that I will meddle with nobody's business but my own.
B.—And I say I understand you; I know you are a good man, and a man of charity, and loth to do your neighbours any prejudice, and that you will speak the best of every man as near as you can.
A.—I tell you, I speak neither the best nor the worst—I speak nothing.