Rover. Every High Sheriff should be a gentleman, and when he's represented by a rascal, he's dishonour'd.—Dem it, I might as well live about Covent Garden, and every night get beating the watch; for here, among groves and meadows, I'm always squabbling with constables. [Whips up a stick from a corner of the room, and holds it behind him.]
Off. Come, come, I must—
Rover. "As you say, sir, last Wednesday, so it was"—Sir, your most obedient, humble servant— [Bows respectfully.] Pray, sir, may I take the liberty to know, have you ever been astonished? [With great ceremony.]
Off. What?
Rover. Because, sir, I intend to astonish you; my dear fellow, give me your hand. [Takes his hand, and beats him—] Now, sir, you are astonished?
Off. Yes; but see if I don't suit you with an action.
Rover. "Right, suit the action to the word, the word to the action;" "See if the gentlewoman be not affrighted"—"Michael, I'll make thee an example."
Off. Yes, fine example, when goods are seized here by the law, and—
Rover. "Thou worm and maggot of the law!" "Hop me over every kennel, or you shall hop without my custom."
Off. I don't value your custom.