COMIC PIECES. 



As if, like camels, they intended 



To stuff into their monstrous craws 

 Enough to satisfy their maws, 



Until their pilgrimage was ended. 



Talking,* laughing, eating, and quaffing, 

 The bottles stood no moment still ; 

 They rallied Sam with joke and banter, 

 And as they drain'd the last decanter, 

 Call'd for the bill. 



'Twas brought j when one of them, who eyed 

 And added up the items, cried, 



" Extremely^ moderate, indeed ! 

 I'll make a point to recommend 

 This inn to every travelling friend ; 



And you, Sam, shall be doubly feed." 

 This said, a weighty purse he drew, 



When his companion interposed ; 

 " Nay,;J; Harry, that will never do, 



Pray let your purse again be closed ; 

 You paid all charges yesterday, 

 'Tis clearly now my turn to pay." 



Harry, however, wouldn't listen 



To any such insulting offer ; 

 His generous eye appeared to glisten 



Indignant at the very proffer ; 

 And though his friend talk'd loud, his clangour 

 Served but to aggravate Hal's anger. 

 " My$ worthy fellows," cried the third, 



" Now, really this is too absurd ; 

 What ! do both of you. forget 

 I have not paid a farthing yet? 



* This requires a tone of jollity and mirth. The tone also may be 

 elevated at the commencement of the line, gradually sink towards the 

 middle, and again rise at the end. 



f This may be given in & pompous manner. 



J This requires a tone of expostulation. 



The tone and manner of this speaker must vary from each of the 

 others. The first part of this address requires a tone of erpostulation ; 

 the latter of pm-iiii-cness. 



