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A witty theivish answer.
A Fellow that was weary of going on foot, spying a lusty Gelding in a Pa∣sture, was resolved to ride, but having no bridle (and a halter being ominous) he was enforced to imbrace the Brute about his neck, and with all speed made to the road: But the Owner being in some grounds not far off, and espying the cheat, made after him undiscovered, and being very well hors'd, over-took this rank Rider; and requiring of him the reason of his speed, the other said, Sir, are you in a good hour the Master of this wilde Jade? In a good hour I am, re∣plyed the Gentleman, for half an hour la∣ter I believe had alterd the case. In troth, Sir, (said the Theif) it is the joy of my heart that you have thus happily over-taken me, for this head-strong Jade might very well have run away with me: Or else, said the Gentleman, you have run away with him, for therein was most danger; but howsoe∣ver I will ease you of that trouble; and so dis∣mounting him, forced him to walk on foot to the next Village, where at the Whipping-post he had the price of his postage scored up upon his 〈◊〉〈◊〉