fishery, East Indies, etc. The war with the Dutch on these
accounts.

"When I used to reprimand him for his tricks he would talk saucily, lie,
and brazen it out as if he had done nothing amiss. 'Will nothing cure
thee of thy pranks, Nic.?' quoth I; 'I shall be forced some time or
other to chastise thee.' The rogue got up his cane and threatened me,
and was well thwacked for his pains. But I think his behaviour at this
time worst of all; after I have almost drowned myself to keep his head
above water, he would leave me sticking in the mud, trusting to
his goodness to help me out. After I have beggared myself with his
troublesome lawsuit, with a plague to him! he takes it in mighty dudgeon
because I have brought him here to end matters amicably, and because I
won't let him make me over by deed and indenture as his lawful cully,
which to my certain knowledge he has attempted several times. But, after
all, canst thou gather grapes from thorns? Nic. does not pretend to be a
gentleman; he is a tradesman, a self-seeking wretch. But how camest
thou to hear all this, John? The reason is plain; thou conferrest the
benefits and he receives them; the first produces love, and the last
ingratitude. Ah Nic., Nic., thou art a damned dog, that's certain; thou
knowest too well that I will take care of thee, else thou wouldst not
use me thus. I won't give thee up, it is true; but as true as it is,
thou shalt not sell me, according to thy laudable custom." While
John was deep in this soliloquy Nic. broke out into the following
protestation:--

"Gentlemen,--I believe everybody here present will allow me to be a very
just and disinterested person. My friend John Bull here is very angry
with me, forsooth, because I won't agree to his foolish bargains. Now I
declare to all mankind I should be ready to sacrifice my own concerns
to his quiet, but the care of his interest, and that of the honest
tradesmen* that are embarked with us, keeps me from entering into this
composition. What shall become of those poor creatures? The thoughts of
their impending ruin disturb my night's rest; therefore I desire they
may speak for themselves. If they are willing to give up this affair, I
sha'n't make two words of it."

* The Allies.

John Bull begged him to lay aside that immoderate concern for him, and
withal put him in mind that the interest of those tradesmen had not sat
quite so heavy upon him some years ago on a like occasion. Nic. answer