you was to die for it.' 'Can't I though? I'll try; for
I never give in, till I can't help it. So here's at it.
Heave off, put all steam on, and back out, starn fust,
and then swing round into the stream. That's the ticket,
Sam.' It's done; but my elbow has took that lady that's
two steps furder down on the stairs, jist in the eye,
and knocked in her dead light. How she cries! how I
apologize, don't I? And the more I beg pardon, the wus
she carries on. But it's no go; if I stay, I must fust
fight somebody, and then marry _her_; for I've spiled
her beauty, and that's the rule here, they tell me.'

"So I sets studen sail booms, and cracks on all sail,
and steers for home, and here I am once more; at least
what's left of me, and that ain't much more nor my shader.
Oh dear! I'm tired, shockin' tired, almost dead, and
awful thirsty; for Heaven's sake, give me some lignum
vitae, for I am so dry, I'll blow away in dust.

"This is a Swoi-ree, Squire, this is London society; this
is rational enjoyment, this is a meeting of friends, who
are so infarnal friendly they are jammed together so they
can't leave each other. Inseparable friends; you must
choke 'em off, or you can't part 'em. Well, I ain't jist
so thick and intimate with none o' them in this country
as all that comes to nother. I won't lay down my life
for none on 'em; I don't see no occasion for it, _do
you_?

"I'll dine with you, John Bull, if you axe me; and I