Sir Fran. Why thus, uncle; please your Lordship, says I, I am Sir Francis Headpiece of Headpiece-Hall, and member of parliament for the ancient borough of Gobble-Guiney. Sir, your humble servant, says my Lord, tho' I have not the honour to know your person, I have heard you are a very honest gentleman, and I am very glad your borough has made choice of so worthy a representative; have you any service to command me? Those last words, uncle, gave me great encouragement: And tho' I know you have not any very great opinion of my parts, I believe you won't say I mist it now.
Unc. Rich. I hope I shall have no cause.
Sir Fran. My Lord, says I, I did not design to say any thing to your Lordship to-day about business; but since your Lordship is so kind and free, as to bid me speak if I have any service to command you, I will.
Unc. Rich. So.
Sir Fran. I have, says I, my Lord, a good estate, but it's a little out at elbows: and as I desire to serve my king as well as my country, I shall be very willing to accept of a place at court.
Unc. Rich. This was bold indeed.
Sir Fran. I'cod, I shot him flying, uncle; another man would have been a month before he durst have open'd his mouth about a place. But you shall hear. Sir Francis, says my Lord, what sort of a place may you have turn'd your thoughts upon? My Lord, says I, beggars must not be choosers; but some place about a thousand a year, I believe, might do pretty weel to begin with. Sir Francis, says he, I shall be glad to serve you in any thing I can; and in saying these words he gave me a squeeze by the hand, as much as to say, I'll do your business. And so he turn'd to a Lord that was there, who look'd as if he came for a place too.
Unc. Rich. And so your fortune's made.
Sir Fran. Don't you think so, uncle?
Unc. Rich. Yes, for just so mine was made——twenty years ago. Sir Fran. Why, I never knew you had a place, uncle.