_Sir Abel._ Yes; for I consider a healthy young man, between the handles of a plough, as one of the noblest illustrations of the prosperity of Britain.
_Ash._ Faith and troth! there be some tightish hands in theas parts, I promize ye.
_Sir Abel._ And, Farmer, it shall precede the hymeneal festivities--
_Sir Abel._ Blockhead! The ploughing match shall take place as soon as Sir Philip Blandford and his daughter arrive.
_Serv._ Sir Abel, I beg to say, my master will be here immediately.
_Sir Abel._ And, sir, I beg to ask who possesses the happiness of being your master?
_Serv._ I left him, sir, in the belfrey of the church.
_Sir Abel._ In the belfrey of the church! What was he doing there?
_Serv._ Why, Sir, the _natives_ were ringing a peal in honour of our arrival--when my master finding they knew nothing of the matter, went up to the steeple to instruct them, and ordered me to proceed to the Castle--Give me leave, Sir Abel, to take this out of your way. [_Takes the camp chair._] Sir, I have the honour-- [_Bows and Exit._
_Sir Abel._ Wonderful! My Bob, you must know, is an astonishing fellow!--you have heard of the _admirable Crichton_, may be? Bob's of the same kidney! I contrive, he executes--Sir Abel _invenit_, Bob _fecit_. He can do everything--everything!
_Ash._ All the better vor he. I zay, zur, as he can turn his head to everything, pray, in what way med he earn his livelihood?
_Ash._ Ees, zur;--How do he gain his bread!
_Sir Abel._ Bread! Oh, he can't earn his bread, bless you! he's a genius.
_Ash._ Genius! Drabbit it, I have got a horze o' thic name, but dom' un, he'll never work--never.
_Sir Abel._ Egad; here comes my boy Bob!--Eh! no--it is not! no.
_Enter_ POSTBOY, _with a round hat and cane._
_Postb._ I am the postboy, your honour, but the gem'man said I did not know how to drive, so he mounted my horse, and made me get inside--Here he is.
_Enter_ HANDY, jun. _with a postboy's cap and whip._
_Handy, jun._ Ah, my old Dad, is that you?
_Sir Abel._ Certainly! the only doubt is, if that be you?
_Handy, jun._ Oh, I was teaching this fellow to drive--Nothing is so horrible as people pretending to do what they are unequal to--Give me my hat--That's the way to use a whip.
_Postb._ Sir, you know you have broke the horses' knees all to pieces.