Versatile ingenium, The Wittie companion, or Jests of all sorts. From citie and countrie, court and universitie. : With an account of the life of the laughing philosopher Democritus of Abder̀a. / By Democritus Junior.

(89.)

A Souldier quartering in New-Market, often observed a young country Wench that sold pigs e∣very market day; whereupon he went to her one day, and desired to see some pigs; haveing seen se∣veral, he said at last, He would have one that was a∣live, so she shewed him one that she had in a bag. Well, Sweet heart, said he, I live hard by, and must go shew the pig to my Captain, if he like it, you shall have three shillings for it, in the mean time I will leave the price with you. Thus haveing got the pig tied up in the bag, he went to his lodging, and put a dog into the bag instead of it, and returning quickly to the Damosel, said, Trulie his Captain did not like the pig; and therefore she took the bag without looking in∣to it, and gave him his money. Not long after came a French Monsieur in hast to buy a pig, but not likeing those that were dead, would have a live one. Sir, said she, I have one of the same bigness alive, the price is so much. Well, here is your monie, said he, but

how shall I carrie it? Why for a groat you shall have poke and all. Poke, what is that? said the Frenchman. 'Tis a bag Sir, said she, that it is tied up in. Oh de bag, is dat de poke? well here is a groat. Thusaway he goes with his bargain home, but when he comes to look in the poke, O de Diable; says he, is dis de pig? de Dible take me, if I do buy de pig in de poke again.