Eu. Indeed I don't wonder, Mr. Cock, that you are no fatter, and that you have brought old Age upon you to that Degree; for nothing brings on old Age faster, than excessive and hard Drinking, keeping late Hours, and Whoring, extravagant Love of Women, and immoderate Venery. But who maintains your Family all this While?
Po. A small Estate came to me by the Death of my Father, and I work hard with my Hands.
Eu. Have you given over Study then?
Po. Altogether. I have brought a Noble to Nine Pence, and of a Master of seven Arts, I am become a Workman of but one Art.
Eu. Poor Man! So many Times you were obliged to be a Mourner, and so many Times a Widower.
Po. I never liv'd single above ten Days, and the new Wife always put an End to the Mourning for the old one. So, you have in Truth the Epitome of my Life; and I wish Pampirus would give us a Narration of his Life; he bears his Age well enough: For if I am not mistaken, he is two or three Years older than I.
Pa. Truly I'll tell it ye, if you are at Leisure to hear such a Romance.
Eu. Nay, it will be a Pleasure to hear it.
Pa. When I went Home my antient Father began to press me earnestly to enter into some Course of Life, that might make some Addition to what I had; and after long Consultation Merchandizing was what I took to.
Po. I admire this Way of Life pleas'd you more than any other.