Smith. Faith, not above an hour: and, if I had not met you here, I had gone to look you out; for I long to talk with you freely of all the strange new things we have heard in the country.
Johns. And, by my troth, I have long'd as much to laugh with you at all the impertinent, dull, fantastical things, we are tired out with here.
Smith. Dull and fantastical! that's an excellent composition. Pray, what are our men of business doing?
Johns. I ne'er inquire after 'em. Thou knowest my humour lies another way. I love to please myself as much, and to trouble others as little as I can; and therefore do naturally avoid the company of those solemn fops, who, being incapable of reason, and insensible of wit and pleasure, are always looking grave, and troubling one another, in hopes to be thought men of business.
Smith. Indeed, I have ever observed, that your grave lookers are the dullest of men.
Johns. Ay, and of birds and beasts too: your gravest bird is an owl, and your gravest beast is an ass.
Smith. Well: but how dost thou pass thy time?
Johns. Why, as I used to do; eat, drink as well as I can, have a friend to chat with in the afternoon, and sometimes see a play; where there are such things, Frank, such hideous, monstrous things, that it has almost made me forswear the stage, and resolve to apply myself to the solid nonsense of your men of business, as the more ingenious pastime.
Smith. I have heard, indeed, you have had lately many new plays; and our country wits commend 'em.