Sir Chr. 'Egad, I believe half the island knows it, by this time.
Inkle. Then to the point—I have a female, whom I wish to part with.
Sir Chr. Very likely; it's a common case, now a-days, with many a man.
Inkle. If you could satisfy me you would use her mildly, and treat her with more kindness than is usual—for I can tell you she's of no common stamp—perhaps we might agree.
Sir Chr. Oho! a slave! Faith, now I think on't, my daughter may want an attendant or two extraordinary; and as you say she's a delicate girl, above the common run, and none of your thick-lipped, flat-nosed, squabby, dumpling dowdies, I don't much care if—
Inkle. And for her treatment—
Sir Chr. Look ye, young man; I love to be plain: I shall treat her a good deal better than you would, I fancy; for though I witness this custom every day, I can't help thinking the only excuse for buying our fellow creatures, is to rescue them from the hands of those who are unfeeling enough to bring them to market.
Inkle. Fair words, old gentleman; an Englishman won't put up an affront.
Sir Chr. An Englishman! more shame for you! Let Englishmen blush at such practices. Men, who so fully feel the blessings of liberty, are doubly cruel in depriving the helpless of their freedom.
Inkle. Let me assure you, sir, it is not my occupation; but for a private reason—an instant pressing necessity——