Ar. I wish you had been my Moniter in Time.
Co. What Man! Have you been infected with this Disease too?
Ar. Yes, I have been at Rome and Compostella.
Co. Good God! how I am pleas'd that you have been as great a Fool as I! What Pallas put that into your Head?
Ar. No Pallas, but Moria rather, especially when I left at Home a handsome young Wife, several Children, and a Family, who had nothing in the World to depend upon for a Maintenance but my daily Labour.
Co. Sure it must be some important Reason that drew you away from all these engaging Relations. Prithee tell me what it was.
Ar. I am asham'd to tell it.
Co. You need not be asham'd to tell me, who, you know, have been sick of the same Distemper.
Ar. There was a Knot of Neighbours of us drinking together, and when the Wine began to work in our Noddles, one said he had a Mind to make a Visit to St. James, and another to St. Peter; presently there was one or two that promis'd to go with them, till at last it was concluded upon to go all together; and I, that I might not seem a disagreeable Companion, rather than break good Company, promised to go too. The next Question was, whether we should go to Rome or Compostella? Upon the Debate it was determin'd that we should all, God willing, set out the next Day for both Places.
Co. A grave Decree, fitter to be writ in Wine than engrav'd in Brass.