Bev. Excuse my peculiar mode of expression—but you appear to me to pass your life in being perpetually overcome.

Mad. A. Women are but fragile flowers.

[Weeps.

Bev. They seem to require a deal of water.

Mad. A. But horses, sir—talking of horses, puts me in mind of a pet I had.

Mad. L. A pet horse, dear?

Mad. A. No, love, a donkey. Oh!

[Weeps.

Bev. [Aside.] Now she's watering the donkey.

Mad. A. I had the dear little creature for two years. Just long enough to—pray listen, sir.