im his rent at quarter-day;
I have a good running-trade; I have but one
daughter, and I can give her--but no matter for
that. {111}

_Aim_. You're very happy, Mr. Boniface. Pray, what
other company have you in town?

_Bon_. A power of fine ladies; and then we have the
French officers.

_Aim_. Oh, that's right, you have a good many of those
gentlemen: pray, how do you like their company?

_Bon_. So well, as the saying is, that I could wish we had
as many more of'em; they're full of money, and pay
double for everything they have. They know, sir,
that we paid good round taxes for the taking of 'em,
and so they are willing to reimburse us a little.
One of 'em lodges in my house. {123}

_Re-enter Archer_.

_Arch_. Landlord, there are some French gentlemen
below that ask for you.

_Bon_. I'll wait on 'em.--[_Aside to Archer_.] Does your
master stay long in town, as the saying is?

_Arch_. I can't tell, as the saying is.

_Bon_. Come from London?

_Arch_. No. {130}

_Bon_. Going to London, mayhap?

_Arch_. No.

_Bon_. [_Aside_.] An odd fellow this.--[_To Aimwell_.] I beg
your worship's pardon, I 'll wait on you in half a
minute. [_Exit_.

_Aim_. The coast's clear, I see.--Now, my dear Archer,
welcome to Lichfield!

_Arch_. I thank thee, my dear brother in iniquity.

_Aim_. Iniquity! prithee, leave canting; you need not
change your style with your dress. {140}

_Arch_. Don't mistake me, Aimwell, for 'tis still my
maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any
crime so shameful as poverty.

_Aim_. The world confesses it every day in its practice
though men won't own it for their opinion. Who
did that worthy lord my brother, single out of the
side-box to sup with him t' other night?

_Arch_. Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed,
mannerly, sharping rogue, who keeps the best company
in town. {150}

_Aim_. Right!' And, pray, who married my lady
Manslaughter t'other day, the great fortune?

_Arch_. Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket,
and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome
figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used
to ride behind.

_Aim_. But did you observe poor Jack Generous in the
Park last week.

_Arch_. Yes, with his autumnal periwig, shading his
melancholy face, his coat older