Sir Fran. So in short, my Lord, says I, I have a good estate——but——a——it's a little awt 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.
Man. So, this was making short work on't.
Sir Fran. I'cod! I shot him flying, cousin: some of your hawf-witted ones naw, would ha' humm'd and haw'd, and dangled a month or two after him, before they durst open their mouths about a place, and mayhap, not ha' got it at last neither.
Man. Oh! I'm glad you're so sure on't——
Sir Fran. You shall hear, cousin——Sir Francis, says my Lord, pray what sort of a place may you ha' turn'd your thoughts upon? My Lord, says I, beggars must not be chusers; but ony a place, says I, about a thousand a year, will be well enough to be doing with 'till something better falls in—for I thowght it would not look well to stond haggling with him at first.
Man. No, no, your business was to get footing any way.
Sir Fran. Right! there's it! ay, cousin, I see you know the world!
Man. Yes, yes, one sees more of it every day——well! but what said my Lord to all this?
Sir Fran. Sir Francis, says he, I shall be glad to serve you any way that lies in my power; so gave me a squeeze by the hond, as much as to say, give yourself no trouble——I'll do your business; with that he turn'd him abawt to somebody with a coloured ribbon across here, that look'd in my thowghts, as if he came for a place too.