m the character of the actors. Thus it would be
as odd a thing in such as we to keep our words with a woman, as it would
be wicked in her to break her's to us.

Seest thou not that this unseasonable gravity is admitted to quell the
palpitations of this unmanageable heart? But still it will go on with
its boundings. I'll try as I ride in my chariot to tranquilize.

'Ride, Bob! so little a way?'

Yes, ride, Jack; for am I not lame? And will it not look well to have a
lodger who keeps his chariot? What widow, what servant, asks questions
of a man with an equipage?

My coachman, as well as my other servant, is under Will.'s tuition.

Never was there such a hideous rascal as he has made himself. The devil
only and his other master can know him. They both have set their marks
upon him. As to my honour's mark, it will never be out of his dam'd wide
mothe, as he calls it. For the dog will be hanged before he can lose the
rest of his teeth by age.

I am gone.

LETTER XXIV

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
HAMPSTEAD, FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 9.

Now, Belford, for the narrative of narratives. I will continue it as I
have opportunity; and that so dexterously, that, if I break off twenty
times, thou shalt not discern where I piece my thread.

Although grievously afflicted with the gout, I alighted out of my chariot
(leaning very hard on my cane with one hand, and on my new servant's
shoulder with the other) the same instant almost that he had knocked at
the door, that I might be sure of admission into the house.

I took care to button my great coat about me, and to cover with it even
the pummel of my sword, it being a little too gay for my years. I knew
not what occasion I might have for my sword. I stooped forward; blinked
with my eyes to conceal their lustre (no vanity in saying that, Jack); my
chin wrapt up for the tooth-ache; my slouched, laced hat, and so much of
my wig as was visible, giving me, all together, the appearance of an
antiquated beau.

My wife, I resolved beforehand, should have a complication of disorders.

The maid came to the door. I asked for her mistress. She showed me into
one of the parlours; and I sat down with a gouty Oh!--

ENTER GOODY MOORE.

Your servant, Madam--but you must excuse me; I cannot well stand--I find
by the bill at the door, that you have lodgings to let [mumbling my words
as if, like my man Will., I had lost some of my fore-teeth]: be pleased
to inform