Q. How is it possible for you to go thorough with all your Writing-work?
A. Nay that's true; considering what a deal of other business I have; for really there would be no Justice done, if I did not look after Witnesses, Jurys, Choice of City-Officers, Election of Members to serve in Parliament, both for Town, and Country; the disposing of Ecclesiastical Dignitys; the Jurisdiction of Courts; the Government of Prisons; the Regulation of Messengers Fees: In one word, the stress of the whole Government lyes in a manner upon my shoulders; And I am so Harrass'd with it, that I profess I was e'en thinking, a little before the Meeting of the last Parliament, to lay out a matter of Twenty or Thirty Thousand Pound upon some Pretty Seat in the Country, and Retire.
Q. Why truly for a man that has seen the world as you have done, what can he do better?
A. Yes, I have seen the world to my Cost. 'Twas a sad thing for me, you must think, that never went to bed in my Mothers House without four or five Servants to wait upon me, (and if I had a mind to a Tart, a Custard, or a Cheescake at any time, I had 'em all at command:) to be Hackny'd, and Jolted up and down in a Forreign Country like a Common Body.
Q. But what was it that put you upon Travel?
A. The Desire I had to see Religions, and Fashions: And now it comes in my head. Did you ever see my Grounds and Occasions of the Contempt of the Clergy?
Q. Was That Yours then?
A. Mum; betwixt friends. But I shall have a touch ere long at the Creed-making Rascal there.
Q. Who's that? Athanasius?
A. The very same. What a Declaration is there?