_Bayes._ Why, I must confess, that question is well enough asked, for one that is not acquainted with this new way of writing. But you must know, sir, that to outdo all my fellow-writers, whereas they keep their intrigo secret, till the very last scene before the dance; I now, sir (do you mark me?)--a-- _Smith._ Begin the play, and end it, without ever opening the plot at all? _Bayes._ I do so, that's the very plain truth on't: ha, ha, ha! I do, egad. If they cannot find it out themselves, e'en let 'em alone for Bayes, I warrant you. But here, now, is a scene of business: pray observe it; for I dare say you'll think it no unwise discourse this, nor ill argued. To tell you true, 'tis a discourse I overheard once betwixt two grand, sober, governing persons. SCENE IV. _Enter_ GENTLEMAN-USHER _and_ PHYSICIAN. _Ush._ Come, sir; let's state the matter of fact, and lay our heads together. _Phys._ Right; lay our heads together. I love to be merry sometimes; but when a knotty point comes, I lay my head close to it, with a snuff-box in my hand; and then I fegue it away, i'faith. _Bayes._ I do just so, egad, always. _Ush._ The grand question is, whether they heard us whisper? which I divide thus. _Phys._ Yes, it must be divided so indeed. _Smith._ That's very complaisant, I swear, Mr. Bayes, to be of another man's opinion, before he knows what it is. _Bayes._ Nay, I bring in none here but well-bred persons, I assure you. _Ush._ I divide the question into when they heard, what they heard, and whether they heard or no. _Johns._ Most admirably divided, I swear! _Ush._ As to the when; you say, just now: so that is answer'd. Then, as for what; why, that answers itself; for what could they hear, but what we talk'd of? so that, naturally, and of necessity, we come to the last question, _videlicet_, whether they heard or no. _Smith._ This is a very wise scene, Mr. Bayes. _Bayes._ Ay, you have it right; they are both politicians. _Ush._ Pray, then, to proceed in method, let me ask you that question. _Phys._ No, you'll answer better; pray let me ask it you. _Ush._ Your will must be a law. _Phys._ Come, then, what is't I must ask? _Smith._ This politician, I perceive, Mr. Bayes, has somewhat a short memory. _Bayes._ Why, sir, you must know, that t'other is the main politician, and this is but his pupil. _Ush._ You must ask me whether they heard us whisper. _Phys._ Well, I do so. _Ush._ Say it then. _Smith._ Heyday! here's the bravest work that ever I saw. _Johns._ This is mighty methodical. _Bayes._ Ay, sir; that's the way; 'tis the way of art; there is no other way, egad, in business. _Phys._ Did they hear us whisper?