it, how Hocus and those rogues kept my husband, John Bull, drunk for
five years together with punch and strong waters: I am sure he
never went one night sober to bed, till they got him to sign the
strangest deed that ever you saw in your life. The methods they
took to manage him I'll tell you another time; at present I'll read
only the writing.

Articles of Agreement betwixt JOHN BULL, Clothier, and NICHOLAS
FROG, Linen-draper.*

* The sentiments of the House of Commons, and their representation
of the Barrier Treaty.

I. That for maintaining the ancient good correspondence and
friendship between the said parties, I, Nicholas Frog, do solemnly
engage and promise to keep peace in John Bull's family; that neither
his wife, children, nor servants, give him any trouble, disturbance,
or molestation whatsoever, but to oblige them all to do their duty
quietly in their respective stations. And whereas the said John
Bull, from the assured confidence that he has in my friendship, has
appointed me executor of his last will and testament, and guardian
to his children, I do undertake for me, my heirs and assigns, to see
the same duly executed and performed, and that it shall be
unalterable in all its parts by John Bull, or anybody else: for
that purpose it shall be lawful and allowable for me to enter his
house at any hour of the day or night, to break open bars, bolts,
and doors, chests of drawers, and strong boxes, in order to secure
the peace of my friend John Bull's family, and to see his will duly
executed.