The Theater (1720) by Sir John Falstaffe
page 35 of 61 (57%)
page 35 of 61 (57%)
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to call to him for Help. Thus she went on tottering, 'till she tore all her
Garments, so that her Robes appeared like the ragged Colours in _Westminster-Hall_; at length seeing her Danger, he reached her out a Pole, and then she shewed a tolerable Skill and Agility; which the People perceiving, who were towards France, they resolved to let go the Rope that she might slip down to their Side, and this gave me such Pain for her Safety, that I waked with a Start of Consternation. Tho' there was nothing in this but a Dream, it cannot be imagined how concerned I was, that it did not last till I could be satisfied whether she fell, or no. I was grave for at least an Hour after, and reflected on the Policy of those, who forsake a safe and profitable Path, for vain and dangerous Flights; I fancied my self a Politician too, and imagined I knew what a Nation of _Projectors_ must bring their Country to. I shall here make a Digression, without giving any Reason for it; for since I am not bound to the Unities of Time, and Place, as we are in Poetry, I stand in no Awe of the peevish Criticks. Three _French_ Men were travelling into _Spain_, over the Mountains of _Biscay_: One of them trundled before him a _Wheelbarrow_, with Implements for grinding _Knives_ and _Scissors_; another carried a Load of _Mouse-Traps_ and _Bellows_; and the third had a Box of Combs and _Pins_. A poor _Spaniard_, who was travelling into _France_ on Foot, with his Cloak on his Shoulder, met them half Way on the Ascent of a craggy Hill. They sate down to rest in the Shade, and began to confer Notes. They asked the _Spaniard_, whither he was going? He replied, into _France_. What to do? says one of the _Frenchmen_: To seek my Fortune, replies the _Spaniard_: He was asked again, what Trade he was of? He answered, of no Trade at all: of late, says he, we _Spaniards_ have been bred to no Trades; but those of us that are poor, and honest, either beg or borrow; those, that are not, rob |
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