ll!

LIEUT. And how came you to leave your last employ?

POINT Why, sir, it was in this wise. My Lord was the
Archbishop of Canterbury, and it was considered that
one of my jokes was unsuited to His Grace's family
circle. In truth, I ventured to ask a poor riddle,
sir-- Wherein lay the difference between His Grace and
poor Jack Point? His Grace was pleased to give it up,
sir. And thereupon I told him that whereas His Grace
was paid 10,000 a year for being good, poor Jack Point
was good-- for nothing. 'Twas but a harmless jest, but
it offended His Grace, who whipped me and set me in
the stocks for a scurril rogue, and so we parted. I
had as lief not take post again with the dignified
clergy.

LIEUT. But I trust you are very careful not to give offence.
I have daughters.

POINT Sir, my jests are most carefully selected, and
anything objectionable is expunged. If your honour
pleases, I will try then first on your honour's
chaplain.

LIEUT. Can you give me an example? Say that I had sat me down
hurriedly on something sharp?

POINT Sir, I should say that you had sat down on the spur of
the moment.

LIEUT. Humph! I don't think much of that. Is that the best
you can do?

POINT It has always been much admired, sir, but we will try
again.

LIEUT. Well, then, I am at dinner, and the joint of meat is
but half cooked.

POINT Why then, sir, I should say that what is underdone
cannot be helped.

LIEUT. I see. I think that manner of thing would be somewhat
irritating.

POINT At first, sir, perhaps; but use is everything, and you
would come in time to like it.

LIEUT. We will suppose that I caught you kissing the kitchen
wench under my very nose.

POINT Under her very nose, good sir-- not under yours! That
is where I would kiss her. Do you take me? Oh, sir, a
pretty wit-- a pretty, pretty wit!

LIEUT. The maiden comes. Follow me, friend, and we will
discuss this matter at length in my library.

POINT I am your worship's servant. That is to say, I trust
I soon shall be. But, before pro