f a dozen times, to know what was the matter above,--was Obadiah
enabled to give him a particular account of it, just as it had
happened.--I thought as much, said my father, tucking up his
night-gown;--and so walked up stairs.

One would imagine from this--(though for my own part I somewhat
question it)--that my father, before that time, had actually wrote that
remarkable character in the Tristra-paedia, which to me is the most
original and entertaining one in the whole book;--and that is the
chapter upon sash-windows, with a bitter Philippick at the end of it,
upon the forgetfulness of chamber-maids.--I have but two reasons for
thinking otherwise.

First, Had the matter been taken into consideration, before the event
happened, my father certainly would have nailed up the sash window
for good an' all;--which, considering with what difficulty he composed
books,--he might have done with ten times less trouble, than he could
have wrote the chapter: this argument I foresee holds good against his
writing a chapter, even after the event; but 'tis obviated under the
second reason, which I have the honour to offer to the world in
support of my opinion, that my father did not write the chapter upon
sash-windows and chamber-pots, at the time supposed,--and it is this.

--That, in order to render the Tristra-paedia complete,--I wrote the
chapter myself.

Chapter 3.XXVII.

My father put on his spectacles--looked,--took them off,--put them into
the case--all in less than a statutable minute; and without opening
his lips, turned about and walked precipitately down stairs: my mother
imagined he had stepped down for lint and basilicon; but seeing him
return with a couple of folios under his arm, and Obadiah following him
with a large reading-desk, she took it for granted 'twas an herbal, and
so drew him a chair to the bedside, that he might consult upon the case
at his ease.

--If it be but right done,--said my father, turning to the Section--de
sede vel subjecto circumcisionis,--for he had brought up Spenser de
Legibus Hebraeorum Ritualibus--and Maimonides, in order to confront and
examine us altogether.--

--If it be but right done, quoth he:--only tell us, cried my mother,
interrupting him, what herbs?--For that, replied my father, you must
send for Dr. Slop.

My mother went down, and my father went on, reading the section as
follows,

...--Very well,--said my father,...--nay, if it has that
convenience--and so with