Esop. Why truly, Lady, I think it one of the most natural Businesses I have met with a great while. I'll tell you a Story.
A Crab-fish once her Daughter told,
(In Terms that savour'd much of Scold)
She cou'd not bear to see her go
Sidle, sidle, to and fro:
The Devil's in the Wench, quoth she,
When so much Money has been paid
To polish you like me,
It makes me almost mad to see
Y'are still so awkward, an ungainly Jade.
Her Daughter smil'd, and look'd a-skew; }
She answer'd (for to give her her due) }
Pertly, as most Folks Daughters do: }
Madam, your Ladyship, quoth she,
Is pleas'd to blame in me
What, on Enquiry, you may find,
Admits a passable Excuse,
From a Proverb much in use,
That Cat will after kind.
Amin. Sir, I took you to be a Man better bred, than to liken a Lady to a Crab-fish.
Esop. What I want in Good-breeding, Lady, I have in Truth and Honesty: As what you have wanted in Virtue, you have had in a good Face.
Amin. Have had, Sir! What I have had, I have still; and shall have a great while, I hope. I'm no Grandmother, Sir.
Esop. But in a fair way for't, Madam.
Amin. Thanks to my Daughter's Forwardness then, not my Years. I'd have you to know, Sir, I have never a Wrinkle in my Face. A young pert Slut! Who'd think she shou'd know so much at her Age?
Esop. Good Masters make quick Scholars, Lady; she has learn'd her Exercise from you.
Amin. But where's the Remedy, Sir?