Escarpin (aside).
Well, you 're the first pander-father
Ever in my life I saw.
Chrysanthus.
What, Escarpin, you, as well,
Going to leave me? Mum for once.
Escarpin.
Silence suits me for the nonce.
Chrysanthus.
Why?
Escarpin.
A tale in point I 'll tell:
Once a snuffler, by a pirate
Moor was captured, who in some
Way affected to be dumb,
That his ransom at no high rate
Might be purchased: when his owner
This defect perceived, the shuffle
Made him sell this Mr. Snuffle
Very cheaply: to the donor
Of his freedom, through his nose,
Half in snuffle, half in squeak,
Then he said, "Oh! Moor, I speak,
I 'm not dumb as you suppose".
"Fool, to let your folly lead you
So astray", replied the Moor.
"Had I heard you speak, be sure
I for nothing would have freed you".
Thus it is I moderate me
In the use of tongue and cheek,
Lest when you have heard me speak,
Still more cheaply you may rate me.
Chrysanthus.
You must know the estimation
I have held you in so long.
Escarpin.
Well, my memory is not strong.
It requires consideration
To admit that pleasant fact.
Chrysanthus.
What of me do people say?—