Talb. Ay, contrary to your expectations, you find that Talbot is not a dog that will lick the dust: but then there’s enough of the true spaniel breed to be had for whistling for; hey, Wheeler?
Bursal (aside to Wheeler). A pretty electioneerer. So much the better for you, Wheeler. Why, unless he bought a vote, he’d never win one, if he talked from this to the day of judgment.
Wheeler (aside to Bursal). And as he has no money to buy votes—he! he! he!—we are safe enough.
Talb. That’s well done, Wheeler; fight the by-battle there with Bursal. Now you are sure of the main with Lord John.
Lord J. Sure! I never made Mr. Wheeler any promise yet.
Wheel. O; I ask no promise from his lordship; we are upon honour: I trust entirely to his lordship’s good nature and generosity, and to his regard for his own family; I having the honour, though distantly, to be related.
Lord J. Related! How, Wheeler?
Wheel. Connected, I mean, which is next door, as I may say, to being related. Related slipped out by mistake; I beg pardon, my Lord John.
Lord J. Related!—a strange mistake, Wheeler.
Talb. Overshot yourself, Wheeler; overshot yourself, by all that’s awkward. And yet, till now, I always took you for “a dead-shot at a yellow-hammer.” [151]