_Ned._--'Tis true we did so, Harry, but now I have not time to tell you, for it will take me more than two or three hours to give you a full account of both parts. _Harry._--What! are you in haste then, Ned? 'Tis a great while since I have seen you, and shan't we have one mug together? _Ned._--Faith, Harry, I'm loath to deny you; but if I go with you, I must send home to my wife, and let her know where I am. _Harry._--So you may Ned, and tell her you are with an old friend that would be glad to see her. _Ned._--Not a word of that, Harry, for if I go with you and stay any time, we shall have her company without sending for her. _Harry._--Say you so. Come then, let us go to Tom Swan's. Well, Ned, I am glad to see thee--ring the bell. Jenny, bring us a pint of your best ale. Come, Ned, sit down. And how long was it before you got your wife into the mind to marry; for if I speak to any of the female sex, they are so very coy, I can't tell what to make of them? _Ned._--That's very true. They are so, Harry, for when I spoke to my wife first, she was so very coy and huffish, and told me she did not know what I meant. She was not for marrying. She lived very well as she was, and if she should marry, she must then be confined to the humours of a husband. _Harry._--Well, but how then, Ned, tell me all. _Ned._--Faith I have not time now, Harry, for I must go home. _Harry._--Come, my service t'ye, Ned, I will have you be as good as your promise. _Ned._--Then if I must, I will stay a little longer and tell you. I told her I had as good a trade as any of my neighbours. Upon these words she was called away. _Harry._--How then, Ned? _Ned._--Faith I went home, but could not get her out of my mind. The next day I went again to see her, and took her by the hand, but she pulled it away with scorn, saying, "Pray don't banter me, for I know you men love to banter us silly women." Upon my faith, madam, said I, I am in good earnest, for a man of my trade must have both journeymen and prentices, therefore I cannot well be without a wife, and you are the only person I always thought would make me happy. Then I took her by the hand again, and with much ado got a kiss off her. "Pray be quiet," said she, "Goodness! what do you mean? you are so troublesome!" and looked very angry, and so left me. _Harry._--Very well, Ned, go on, this is vastly pleasant.