Arch. I thank thee, my dear brother in iniquity.
Aim. Iniquity! prithee, leave canting; you need not change your style with your dress. [140]
Arch. Don't mistake me, Aimwell, for 'tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.
Aim. The world confesses it every day in its practice though men won't own it for their opinion. Who did that worthy lord my brother, single out of the side-box to sup with him t' other night?
Arch. Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed, mannerly, sharping rogue, who keeps the best company in town. [150]
Aim. Right!' And, pray, who married my lady Manslaughter t'other day, the great fortune?
Arch. Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket, and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used to ride behind.
Aim. But did you observe poor Jack Generous in the Park last week.
Arch. Yes, with his autumnal periwig, shading his melancholy face, his coat older than anything but its fashion, with one hand idle in his pocket, and with the other picking his useless teeth; and, though the Mall was crowded with company, yet was poor Jack as single and solitary as a lion in a desert.
Aim. And as much avoided for no crime upon earth but the want of money. [166]