"I cannot indeed help assuming to myself some little merit from the applause which the town has so universally conferred upon me."
Fust. That you know, Mr Sneer well, may be omitted, if it should meet with any ill-natured opposition; for which reason, I shall not print off my dedication till after the play is acted.
Trap. [Reads.] "I might here indulge myself with a delineation of your lordship's character; but as I abhor the least imputation of flattery, and as I am certain your lordship is the only person in this nation that does not love to hear your praises, I shall be silent—only this give me leave to say, That you have more wit, sense, learning, honour, and humanity, than all mankind put together; and your person comprehends in it everything that is beautiful; your air is everything that is graceful, your look everything that is majestic, and your mind is a storehouse where every virtue and every perfection are lodged: to pass by your generosity, which is so great, so glorious, so diffusive, that like the sun it eclipses, and makes stars of all your other virtues—I could say more——"
Sneer. Faith, sir, that's more than I could.
Trap. "But shall commit a violence upon myself, and conclude with assuring your lordship, that I am, my lord, your lordship's most obedient, most devoted, most obsequious, and most obliged humble servant."
Fust. There you see it, sir, concise, and not fulsome.
Sneer. Very true, sir, if you had said less it would not have done.
Fust. No, I think less would have been downright rude, considering it was to a person of the first quality.
Sneer. Prithee, Trap wit, let's see yours.
Trap. I have none, sir.