1 827.] The Cabinet Novel. 1 67 



Hodge. What do I think of the ministry ? Why, I think they be all 

 pretty much alike. But what d'ye think of them rum letters in the O&- 

 server, between George Thundergust and the great Duke ? 



Old 5. What of them ? 



Hodge. What of them ! Why, if I didn't like my master, d'ye think 

 I should go about with all that flummery, and make him believe as I'd like 

 to serve him all the days of my life ? 



Old B. Ah, ah ! But that is the way, man, with them quality-folk. 

 It is what they call genteel, d'ye see. 



Hodge. And what language they give each other at that great meet- 

 ing there ! I could talk as well as that I can abuse as well as any 

 o'em. 



Old B. Aye, that you can, Hodge but that there's a way of doing 

 that too, d'ye see. 



Hodge. Well, I shall never have such an opinion of them big gentry 

 again. 



Old B. You forget Jemmy Jumps's song, Hodge 



" Sure an honour much greater no mortal can know, 

 Than receive from a prince both a word and a blow." 



Hodge. That mought do well enow for the last century ; but we know 

 more now a vast deal. \They come to the Vestry. 



Churchwarden. Come, gentlemen come in and sign. 



Hodge. We've been a- thinking, your honour, as we won't sign any- 

 thing as we doesn't know nothing about. 



Churchwarden. You rogue, I'll tell your rector what a pretty Pro- 

 testant you are. 



Hodge. O Lord ! Sir don't tell the rector. Give me the pen. 



Churchwarden. What's this ? Oh ! " Hodge Horlay his mark." 

 Very well you may go about your business. 



X. 



DIALOGUE. 



Chaplain POUNCE, and the Marquis of DERRITON. 



Chaplain. Your Lordship seems warm. 



Marquis. No man shall put me down no living soul should dare to 

 control my speech. 



Chaplain. I'm fearful that your Lordship's agitation may affect your 

 health. 



Marquis.* Tell me, doctor now honestly do you think I went too 

 far? 



Chaplain. I confess, my Lord, your Lordship was rather warmer than 

 usual ; but it is a longtime since Sacrament Sunday; and there are excuses 

 for your Lordship's zeal and energies on behalf of your country. 



Marquis. Then you really believe, Pounce, that I said too much ? 



Chaplain. Moderation, my Lord, is the lot of few. Perhaps, in your 

 Lordship's case, it might have been even blameable ; but not having been 

 present, I cannot form any very accurate judgment. 



Marquis. Pounce, I hate your creamy, slipslop, flattering ways ; I care 

 for no man on earth ; I shall give that living I talked to you about to 

 Zachariah All-Lengths, 1 think. 



