The scoffer scoffed the second part. Being certain select dialogues of a merry wagg of antiquity. Newly put into English fustian, for the consolation of those that had rather laugh and be merry, then be merry and wise.

Numb. 7.

LUCIAN.

A DIALOGUE Between MERCURY and CHARON.

Mer.

PRithee Tarpaulin let us see, How much thou art in debt to me? Least we shou'd both forget it, come, And let's cast up the total summ; For if we shou'd mistake a Groat, Thoud'st fret, and never mind thy boat.

Cha.

Reckon Mercury? for my part, I am content with all my heart.

Mer.

Imprimis, for thee I lay'd out To buy an Anchor for thy boat, Twenty five pence (in ready Dust) For honest Swabber I'll be just.

Cha.

So much d'you say? (I'll vow and swear,) As things go now, that's very dear.

Mer.

Why faith and troth, what e're you think, It Cost so much, in ready Chink. Item, (let me see,) two pence more For that, to which, you tye the Oar.

Cha.

That's very well, to th' other score (Pray be exact,) set two pence more.

Mer.

Item, A Needle I did buy, Which cost me, four pence half-penny, To mend the sails, last storm we had;

Cha.

Add them together now my lad.

Mer.

Item, For Pitch, and Tar, and Nails, And a small Rope to hoist the sails, Just ten pence I laid out for you,

Cha.

That's very reas'nable I vow.

Mer.

And this is all I think (dear Chroney) But prithee when wilt pay the Money?

Cha.

Why truly friend, (I won't harrangue thee,) But if I have a farthing, hang me: Yet if the times do mend, I swear, And there shou'd come a Plague, or War, That so I might a little juggle, And now and then the Custome smuggle, I'll pay thee ev'ry farthing (know me) That thou wilt say that I now owe thee.

Mer.

And i'th mean time I must by th'Loss▪ Sit down, with folded Arms a-Cross

And wish that Plagues and Mischiefs may, Take half the wicked World away, Before you'll able be to pay me, Faith 'tis not fair, you shou'd delay me.

Cha.

I shan't be able troth before, (Friend Mercury) to pay thy Score.

Mer.

I'de rather ne're be paid by thee, Than all those strange Misfortunes see; But this does put into my head, A thing relating to the dead; Why those dye now, shou'd differ so, From those folk, who dy'd long ago; For then they all were brisk and strong, Plump, fleshy, vigorous, and young. And seldom with a body whole, But cut and slasht from feet to poll; With darts and spears, and many a thwack, Oft' lookt like th' man i'th' Almanack. Whereas they now are little things, Most dying of their surfeitings; Pale, wan, and weak, and hardly able To go a hi-lone, by a Table.

Some kill'd by Wine, debauch'd with stum Or drinking, Supernaculum Others with something else, (but Mum)

Some have been sent too, by their friends To bring about their private ends. Others have suffer'd by their heirs, While some have pin'd away with cares.

Cha.

I do not wonder (honest friend) That Int'rest shou'd so many send; For 'tis a hard thing now to get Ones own, tho prov'd, by law a debt: Therefore much more, to get it by Ones Labour, or ones Industry.

Mer.

Wonder not than, (for well you know me) I spoke oth'money, that you owe me.

LUCIAN.

ADVERTISEMENT.

There are lately Publish'd some Modern Dialogues Intituled Lucian's Ghost done out of French, Prin∣ted for James Norris at the Kings Arms without Temple-Bar.

Printed for Charles Corbet at the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-lane. 1684.