arpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.'"

As he was very inquisitive about our affairs, we made no scruple of
acquainting him with our situation, which when he had learned, he
enriched us with advices how to behave in the world, telling us that he
was no stranger to the deceits of mankind. In the meantime he ordered
his daughter to lay a fowl to the fire for supper, for he was resolved
this night to regale his friends--permittens divis caetera. While our
entertainment was preparing, our host recounted the adventures of his
own life, which, as they contained nothing remarkable, I forbear to
rehearse. When we had fared sumptuously, and drunk several bottles
of his I expressed a desire of going to rest, which was with some
difficulty complied with, after he had informed us that we should
overtake the waggon by noon next day; and that there was room enough in
it for half-a-dozen, for there were only four passengers as yet in that
convenience.

Before my comrade and I fell asleep, we had some conversation about
the good humour of our landlord, which gave Strap such an idea of his
benevolence, that he positively believed we should pay nothing for our
lodging and entertainment. "Don't you observe," said he, "that he has
conceived a particular affection for us--nay, even treated us at supper
with extraordinary fare, which, to be sure, we should not of ourselves
have called for?"

I was partly of Strap's opinion; but the experience I had of the world
made me suspend my belief till the morning, when, getting up betimes, we
breakfasted with our host and his daughter on hasty-pudding and ale,
and desired to know what we had to pay. "Biddy will let you know,
gentlemen," said he; "for I never mind these matters. Money matters are
beneath the concern of one who lives upon the Horatian plan--Crescentum
sequitur cura pecuniam." Meanwhile, Biddy, having consulted a slate
that hung in the corner, told us our reckoning came to 8s. 7d. "Eight
shillings and seven pence!" cried Strap, "'tis impossible! you must be
mistaken, young woman." "Reckon again, child," says her father, very
deliberately; "perhaps you have miscounted." "No, indeed," replied she,
"I know my business better." I could contain my indignation no longer,
but said it was an unconscionable bill, and demanded to know the
particulars; upon which the old man got up, muttering, "Ay, ay, let us
see the particulars--that's but reasonable." And, taking pen, ink, and
paper, wrote