Bum. Hold, hold, Citt; what if all my great Friends should deceive me at last?
Citt. They'le never dare to do that, for fear you should deceive them. I have found the Experiment of it my self, and every Term yields us fresh Instances of people that make their Fortunes in a trice, by a generous contempt of Principalities, and Powers.
Bum. Thou'rt a brave fellow Citt; but pre'thee what may thy Employment be at present, if a body may ask thee?
The Secretary to a Grand Committee.
Citt. I am at this present, Bumpkin, under the Rose, a Secretary-Extraordinary to one of the Grand Committees I told thee of; and my business is to draw up Impeachments, Informations, Articles; to lick over now and then a Narrative; and to deal with the Mercuries to publish nothing against the Interest of that Party: and in fine, there's hardly any thing stirs, but I have a finger in't. Mine is a business I can tell you, that brings in Money.
Bum. I make no doubt on't Citt: But could ye put me in a way to get a little money too?
Citt. We'l talk of that presently. You may think perhaps now the City-Petition's blown off, that our Committee will have nothing to do. But, I do assure you, businesse comes in so fast, upon us, that I shall never be able to go through it without an Assistant; and if I find you fit for't, you shall be the man.—Nay hold, let Me speak, First; do you continue the use of your Short-hand?
Bum. Yes, I do; and I have mended my Bastard-Secretary very much since you saw it.
Citt. Will you be Just, Diligent, and Secret?
Bum. I'le give you what security you'le ask, for my Truth and Diligence; and for my Secrecy, I could almost forget to speak.