for mirth,--but come--to the conversation of the Times.

_Ran._ The Times! why, what a Devil ails the Times? I see nothing in the
Times but a Company of Coxcombs that fear without a Cause.

_Tim._ But if these Fears were laid, and _Bacon_ were hanged, I look
upon _Virginia_ to be the happiest part of the World, gads zoors,--why,
there's _England_--'tis nothing to't,--I was in _England_ about six
Years ago, and was shewed the Court of Aldermen, some were nodding, some
saying nothing, and others very little to purpose; but how could it be
otherwise, for they had neither Bowl of Punch, Bottles of Wine or
Tobacco before 'em, to put Life and Soul into 'em as we have here: then
for the young Gentlemen--their farthest Travels is to _France_ or
_Italy_, they never come hither.

_Dull._ The more's the pity, by my troth. [Drinks.

_Tim._ Where they learn to swear Mor-blew, Mor-dee--

_Friend._ And tell you how much bigger the _Louvre_ is than _Whitehall_;
buy a suit a-la-mode, get a swinging Clap of some _French_ Marquise,
spend all their Money, and return just as they went.

_Dull._ For the old Fellows, their business is Usury, Extortion, and
undermining young Heirs.

_Tim._ Then for young Merchants, their Exchange is the Tavern, their
Ware-house the Play-house, and their Bills of Exchange Billet-Douxs,
where to sup with their Wenches at the other end of the Town,--now judge
you what a condition poor _England_ is in: for my part I look upon it as
a lost Nation, gads zoors.

_Dull._ I have considered it, and have found a way to save all yet.

_Tim._ As how, I pray?

_Dull._ As thus: we have Men here of great Experience and Ability--now I
would have as many sent into _England_, as would supply all Places and
Offices, both Civil and Military, d'ye see; their young Gentry should
all travel hither for breeding, and to learn the mysteries of State.

_Friend._ As for the old covetous Fellows, I would have the Tradesmen
get in their Debts, break and turn Troopers.

_Tim._ And they'd be soon weary of Extortion, gad zoors.

_Dull._ Then for the young Merchants, there should be a Law made, none
should go beyond _Ludgate_.

_Friend._ You have found out the only way to preserve that great
Kingdom.
[Drinking all this while sometimes.

_Tim._ Well, gad zoors, 'tis a fine thing to be a good Statesman.

_Friend._ Ay, Cornet, which you had never been had you staid in Old
_England_.

_Dull._ Why, Sir, we were somebody i