s son to pay
the man,--we can hire horses from hence.--But alas! the poor gentleman
will never get from hence, said the landlady to me,--for I heard the
death-watch all night long;--and when he dies, the youth, his son, will
certainly die with him; for he is broken-hearted already.

I was hearing this account, continued the corporal, when the youth came
into the kitchen, to order the thin toast the landlord spoke of;--but I
will do it for my father myself, said the youth.--Pray let my save you
the trouble, young gentleman, said I, taking up a fork for the purpose,
and offering him my chair to sit down upon by the fire, whilst I did
it.--I believe, Sir, said he, very modestly, I can please him best
myself.--I am sure, said I, his honour will not like the toast the worse
for being toasted by an old soldier.--The youth took hold of my hand,
and instantly burst into tears.--Poor youth! said my uncle Toby,--he
has been bred up from an infant in the army, and the name of a soldier,
Trim, sounded in his ears like the name of a friend;--I wish I had him
here.

--I never, in the longest march, said the corporal, had so great a mind
to my dinner, as I had to cry with him for company:--What could be the
matter with me, an' please your honour? Nothing in the world, Trim,
said my uncle Toby, blowing his nose,--but that thou art a good-natured
fellow.

When I gave him the toast, continued the corporal, I thought it was
proper to tell him I was captain Shandy's servant, and that your honour
(though a stranger) was extremely concerned for his father;--and that
if there was any thing in your house or cellar--(And thou might'st have
added my purse too, said my uncle Toby),--he was heartily welcome to
it:--He made a very low bow (which was meant to your honour), but no
answer--for his heart was full--so he went up stairs with the toast;--I
warrant you, my dear, said I, as I opened the kitchen-door, your father
will be well again.--Mr. Yorick's curate was smoking a pipe by the
kitchen fire,--but said not a word good or bad to comfort the youth.--I
thought it wrong; added the corporal--I think so too, said my uncle
Toby.

When the lieutenant had taken his glass of sack and toast, he felt
himself a little revived, and sent down into the kitchen, to let me
know, that in about ten minutes he should be glad if I would step
up stairs.--I believe, said the landlord, he is going to say his
prayers,--for there was a book laid upon the chair by