Law. O, you are a merry gentleman, sir: I remember you were merry when I was last in your company.
Man. I was never merry in thy company, Mr. Lawyer, sure.
Law. Why, I'm sure you joked upon me, and shammed me all night long.
Man. Shammed! prithee what barbarous law-term is that?
Law. Shamming! why, don't you know that? 'tis all our way of wit, sir.
Man. I am glad I do not know it then. Shamming! what does he mean by't, Freeman!
Free. Shamming is telling you an insipid dull lie with a dull face, which the sly wag the author only laughs at himself; and making himself believe 'tis a good jest, puts the sham only upon himself.
Man. So, your lawyer's jest, I find, like his practice, has more knavery than wit in't. I should make the worst shammer in England: I must always deal ingenuously, as I will with you, Mr. Lawyer, and advise you to be seen rather with attorneys and solicitors, than such fellows as I am: they will credit your practice more.
Law. No, sir, your company's an honour to me.