How proud I was of that waistcoat five years ago!--I little thought what would happen now, when I sat in it, at the top of my table, with all my neighbours to celebrate the day;--there was Collop on one side of me, and his wife on the other; and my daughter Mary sat at the farther end;--smiling so sweetly;--like an artful, good for nothing----I shou'dn't like to throw away a waistcoat neither.--I may as well put it on.--Yes--it would be poor spite not to put it on. [_Putting his Arms into it._]--She's breaking my heart; but, I'll wear it, I'll wear it. [_Buttoning it as he speaks, and crying involuntarily._] It's my child's--She's undutiful,--ungrateful, --barbarous,--but she's my child,--and she'll never work me another. _Enter BUR._ _Bur._ Here's another waistcoat, but it has laid by so long, I think it's damp. _Job._ I was thinking so myself, Bur; and so---- _Bur._ Eh--what, you've got on the old one? Well, now, I declare, I'm glad of that. Here's your coat. [_Putting it on him._]--'Sbobs! this waistcoat feels a little damp, about the top of the bosom. _Job._ [_Confused._] Never mind, Bur, never mind.--A little water has dropt on it; but it won't give me cold, I believe. [_A noise without._ _Bur._ Heigh! they are playing up old Harry below! I'll run, and see what's the matter. Make haste after me, do, now! [_Exit BUR._ _Job._ I don't care for the bankruptcy now. I can face my creditors, like an honest man; and I can crawl to my grave, afterwards, as poor as a church-mouse. What does it signify? Job Thornberry has no reason now to wish himself worth a groat:--the old ironmonger and brazier has nobody to board his money for now! I was only saving for my daughter; and she has run away from her doating, foolish father,--and struck down my heart--flat--flat.-- _Enter PEREGRINE._ Well, who are you? _Pereg._ A friend. _Job._ Then, I'm sorry to see you. I have just been ruin'd by a friend; and never wish to have another friend again, as long as I live.--No, nor any ungrateful, undutiful--Poh!--I don't recollect your face. _Pereg._ Climate, and years, have been at work on it. While Europeans are scorching under an Indian sun, Time is doubly busy in fanning their features with his wings. But, do you remember no trace of me? _Job._ No, I tell you. If you have any thing to say, say it. I have something to settle below with my daughter--I mean, with the people in the shop;--they are impatient; and the morning has half run away, before she knew I should be up--I mean, before I have had time to get on my coat and waistcoat, she gave me--I mean--I mean, if you have any business, tell it, at once. _Pereg._ I _will_ tell it at once. You seem agitated. The harpies, whom I pass'd in your shop, inform'd me of your sudden misfortune, but do not despair yet. _Job._ Aye, I'm going to be a bankrupt--but that don't signify. Go on: it isn't that;--they'll find all fair;--but, go on.