Smith. But pray, Mr. Bayes, among all your other rules, have you no one rule for invention?
Bayes. Yes, sir, that's my third rule that I have here in my pocket.
Smith. What rule can that be, I wonder?
Bayes. Why, sir, when I have anything to invent, I never trouble my head about it, as other men do; but presently turn over this book, and there I have, at one view, all that Persius, Montaigne, Seneca's Tragedies, Horace, Juvenal, Claudian, Pliny, Plutarch's Lives, and the rest, have ever thought upon this subject: and so, in a trice, by leaving out a few words, or putting in others of my own, the business is done.
Johns. Indeed, Mr. Bayes, this is as sure and compendious a way of wit as ever I heard of.
Bayes. Sir, if you make the least scruples of the efficacy of these my rules, do but come to the playhouse, and you shall judge of 'em by the effects.
Smith. We'll follow you, sir. [Exeunt.
Enter three Players on the stage.
1st Play. Have you your part perfect?
2nd Play. Yes, I have it without book; but I don't understand how it is to be spoken.