Aul. And why did you reserve that one?
Ph. Because I can't be out of Love with it.
Aul. It must needs be some pleasant Sin.
Ph. I can't tell whether it is a Sin or no; but if you are at Leisure, you shall hear what it is.
Aul. I would be glad to hear it, with all my Heart.
Ph. You know what cheating Tricks are play'd by our Jockeys, who sell and let out Horses.
Aul. Yes, I know more of them than I wish I did, having been cheated by them more than once.
Ph. I had Occasion lately to go a pretty long Journey, and I was in great Haste; I went to one that you would have said was none of the worst of 'em, and there was some small Matter of Friendship between us. I told him I had an urgent Business to do, and had Occasion for a strong able Gelding; desiring, that if he would ever be my Friend in any Thing, he would be so now. He promised me, that he would use me as kindly as if I were his own dear Brother.
Aul. It may be he would have cheated his Brother.
Ph. He leads me into the Stable, and bids me chuse which I would out of them all. At last I pitch'd upon one that I lik'd better than the rest. He commends my Judgment, protesting that a great many Persons had had a Mind to that Horse; but he resolved to keep him rather for a singular Friend, than sell him to a Stranger. I agreed with him as to the Price, paid him down his Money, got upon the Horse's Back. Upon the first setting out, my Steed falls a prancing; you would have said he was a Horse of Mettle; he was plump, and in good Case: But, by that Time I had rid him an Hour and a half, I perceiv'd he was downright tir'd, nor could I by spurring him, get him any further. I had heard that such Jades had been kept for Cheats, that you would take by their Looks to be very good Horses; but were worth nothing for Service. I says to myself presently, I am caught. But when I come Home again, I will shew him Trick for Trick.