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History of John Bull by John Arbuthnot
page 17 of 134 (12%)
trover and conversion, trespasses, precipes, and dedimus. This was
matter of jest to the learned in law; however Hocus and the rest of
the tribe encouraged John in his fancy, assuring him that he had a
great genius for law; that they questioned not but in time he might
raise money enough by it to reimburse him of all his charges; that
if he studied he would undoubtedly arrive to the dignity of a Lord
Chief Justice. As for the advice of honest friends and neighbours
John despised it; he looked upon them as fellows of a low genius,
poor grovelling mechanics. John reckoned it more honour to have got
one favourable verdict than to have sold a bale of broadcloth. As
for Nic. Frog, to say the truth, he was more prudent; for though he
followed his lawsuit closely he neglected not his ordinary business,
but was both in court and in his shop at the proper hours.

* The manners and sentiments of the nation at that time.



CHAPTER VIII. How John discovered that Hocus had an Intrigue with
his Wife;* and what followed thereupon.

John had not run on a madding so long had it not been for an
extravagant wife, whom Hocus perceiving John to be fond of, was
resolved to win over to his side. It is a true saying, that the
last man of the parish that knows of his cuckoldom is himself. It
was observed by all the neighbourhood that Hocus had dealings with
John's wife that were not so much for his honour; but this was
perceived by John a little too late: she was a luxurious jade,
loved splendid equipages, plays, treats and balls, differing very
much from the sober manners of her ancestors, and by no means fit
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