_Capt. Mer._ Yes, but not so hot as a Welsh rabbit.
_Peter._ A rabbit--that's a boroughmonger! Now I ought to take that up, it is a downright insult; but perhaps he did not mean it. Captain what's-your-name, I tell you a secret; you don't know your own name, no, nor you don't know your station in life.
_Capt. Eth._ I'm sure you forget yours, Mr Peter. How long has this change taken place?
_Peter._ Ask your nurse. (_Aside._) That was a hard hit; he must smell a rat now.
_Capt. Mer._ Ask your granny, Etheridge; upon my soul, it's as good as a play.
_Capt. Eth._ To the audience, perhaps; but I feel rather inclined to be in earnest. Hark you, Mr Peter, do you know I am very particular in payment, and always give every man his due.
_Peter._ That's it exactly. All that I wish is, that you would give me mine; but if you don't--I shall oblige you, depend upon it.
_Capt. Mer._ I rather expect he will, Etheridge, if he goes on much longer.
_Peter._ Thank you for taking my part. That's handsome. Perhaps you will persuade him to do me justice.
_Capt. Mer._ If you had been in my hands, I should have done you justice long before this.
_Peter._ "There's virtue still extant," as the play has it. Sir, as you have joined my side, I'll permit you to shake hands with me.
_Capt. Mer._ O certainly! we always do preparatory to a set-to. Now, then, take my advice--on your guard!
_Peter_ (_aside_). Now I don't fear him. (_Aloud._) Captain what's-your-name, shall I tell you your fortune?
_Capt. Eth._ O certainly! you look like a conjuror.
_Peter._ It is your fortune, sir, to be under the baleful influence of the stars, Georgium Sidum and Copernicum. In a few days you will find your name to be _Bargrove_, and you will have to change situations with me.
_Peter._ Yes, Captain Bargrove, so it is. A wicked woman changed us in our cradles; but the secret is come out, and evidence is at hand. You must return to obscurity, whilst I emerge from mine. The stars will have it so. Your fortune's told.
_Capt. Eth._ Nonsense! the fool has been imposed upon. Now, Mr Peter, I'll tell your fortune.
_Peter._ I thank you. It has been already told to my satisfaction.
_Capt. Eth._ Nevertheless, it must be told again, although, perhaps, not to your satisfaction. Mr Peter, I can put up with folly, but never with impertinence. Mars and Saturn are about to be in strong opposition, and heavy Saturn will soon jump about like Mercury. The stars will have it so.