Sir H. I'll assure you, sir, there's not a man in the king's dominions I am gladder to meet, dear, dear Mr. Alderman.
[Bowing very low.
Smug. Oh, lord, sir, you travellers have the most obliging ways with you!
Sir H. There is a business, Mr. Alderman, fallen out, which you may oblige me infinitely by——I am very sorry that I am forced to be troublesome; but necessity, Mr. Alderman——
Smug. Ay, sir, as you say, necessity——But, upon my word, sir, I am very short of money at present; but——
Sir H. That's not the matter, sir; I'm above an obligation that way: but the business is, I'm reduced to an indispensable necessity of being obliged to you for a beating——Here, take this cudgel.
Smug. A beating, Sir Harry! ha! ha! ha! I beat a knight baronet! an alderman turn cudgel-player! Ha! ha! ha!
Sir H. Upon my word, sir, you must beat me, or I cudgel you; take your choice.
Smug. Pshaw! pshaw! you jest.
Sir H. Nay, 'tis sure as fate——So, Alderman, I hope you'll pardon my curiosity.