g. Whence come you? What News bring you? How do you
do? &c._
_GEORGE, LIVINUS._
_George._ Out of what Hen-Coop or Cave came you?
_Liv._ Why do you ask me such a Question?
_Ge._ Because you have been so poorly fed; you are so thin a Body may
see thro' you, and as dry as a Kecks. Whence came you from?
_Liv._ From Montacute College.
_Ge._ Then sure you are come loaden with Letters for us.
_Liv._ Not so, but with Lice I am.
_Ge._ Well then you had Company enough.
_Liv._ In truth it is not safe for a Traveller now a Days to go without
Company.
_Ge._ I know well enough a Louse is a Scholar's Companion. Well but do
you bring any News from _Paris_?
_Liv._ Ay, I do, and that in the first Place that I know you won't
believe. At _Paris_ a _Bete_ is wise, and an _Oak_ preaches.
_Ge._ What's that you tell me?
_Liv._ That which you hear.
_Ge._ What is it I hear?
_Liv._ That which I tell you.
_Ge._ O monstrous! Sure Mushrooms and Stones must be the Hearers where
there are such Preachers.
_Liv._ Well, but it is even so as I tell you, nor do I speak only by
hear say, but what I know to be true.
_Ge._ Sure Men must needs be very wise there where _Betes_ and _Oaks_
are so.
_Liv._ You are in the right on't.
* * * * *
_Of enquiring concerning Health._
_Ge._ Are you well?
_Liv._ Look in my Face.
_Ge._ Why do you not rather bid me cast your Water? Do you take me for a
Doctor? I don't ask you if you are in Health, for your Face bespeaks you
so to be; but I ask you how you like your own Condition?
_Liv._ I am very well in my Body, but sick in my Mind.
_Ge._ He's not well indeed that is sick in that Part.
_Liv._ This is my Case, I'm well in my Body, but sick in my Pocket.
_Ge._ Your Mother will easily cure that Distemper. How have you done for
this long Time?
_Liv._ Sometimes better, and sometimes worse, as human Affairs commonly
go.
_Ge._ Are you very well in health? Are your Affairs in a good
Condition? Are your Circumstances as you would have them? Have you
always had your Health well?
_Liv._ Very well, I thank God. By God's Goodness I have always had my
Health very well. I have always been very well hitherto. I have been in
very good, favourable, secure, happy, prosperous, successful, perfect
Health, like a Prince, like a Champion, fit for any Thing.
_Ge._ God send you may always enjoy the same. I am glad to hear it. You
give me
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