or I know not what! Well, Nic., I really
cannot but applaud thy diligence. I must own this is really a pretty
sort of a trick, but it sha'n't do thy business, for all that."

CHAPTER XVIII. How Lewis Baboon came to visit John Bull, and what passed
between them. *

* Private negotiations about Dunkirk.

I think it is but ingenuous to acquaint the reader that this chapter was
not wrote by Sir Humphrey himself, but by another very able pen of the
university of Grub Street.

John had, by some good instructions given him by Sir Roger, got the
better of his choleric temper, and wrought himself up to a great
steadiness of mind to pursue his own interest through all impediments
that were thrown in the way. He began to leave off some of his old
acquaintance, his roaring and bullying about the streets. He put on
a serious air, knit his brows, and, for the time, had made a very
considerable progress in politics, considering that he had been kept a
stranger to his own affairs. However, he could not help discovering
some remains of his nature when he happened to meet with a football or a
match at cricket, for which Sir Roger was sure to take him to task.
John was walking about his room with folded arms and a most thoughtful
countenance. His servant brought him word that one Lewis Baboon below
wanted to speak with him. John had got an impression that Lewis was so
deadly cunning a man that he was afraid to venture himself alone with
him. At last he took heart of grace. "Let him come up," quoth he; "it is
but sticking to my point, and he can never over-reach me."

LEWIS BABOON.--Monsieur Bull, I will frankly acknowledge that my
behaviour to my neighbours has been somewhat uncivil, and I believe you
will readily grant me that I have met with usage accordingly. I was fond
of back-sword and cudgel-play from my youth, and I now bear in my
body many a black and blue gash and scar, God knows. I had as good a
warehouse and as fair possessions as any of my neighbours, though I say
it. But a contentious temper, flattering servants, and unfortunate stars
have brought me into circumstances that are not unknown to you. These
my misfortunes are heightened by domestic calamities. That I need not
relate. I am a poor old battered fellow, and I would willingly end my
days in peace. But, alas! I see but small hopes of that, for every new
circumstance affords an argument to my enemies to pursue their revenge.
Formerly I was to be banged bec