And came at Night to view their Prey, Oft, alas, so ill they'd sped, That half went Supperless to Bed. At length they all in Council sate, Where at a very fair Debate, It was agreed at last, That Slavery with Ease and Plenty, When Hounds were something turn'd of twenty, Was much a better Fate, Than 'twas to work and fast._ _1 Play._ Well, Sir----and what did they do then? _Esop._ Why they all went home to their Kennel again. If you think they did wisely, you'll do well to follow their Example. [_Exit ~Esop~._ _1 Play._ Well, Beagles, what think you of the little Gentleman's Advice? _2 Wom._ I think he's a little ugly Philosopher, and talks like a Fool. _1 Play._ Ay, why there 'tis now! If he had been a tall Handsome Blockhead, he had talk'd like a wise Man. _2 Wom._ Why, do you think, Mr. _Jowler_, that we'll ever join again? _1 Play._ I do think, sweet Mrs. _Juno_, that if we do not join again, you must be a little freer of your Carcase than you are, or you must bring down your Pride to a Serge Petticoat. _1 Wom._ And do you think, Sir, after the Affronts I have receiv'd, the Patent and I can ever be Friends? _1 Play._ I do think, Madam, that if my interest had not been more affronted than your Face, the Patent and you had never been Foes. _1 Wom._ And so, Sir, then you have serious Thoughts of a Reconciliation! _1 Play._ Madam, I do believe I may. _1 Wom._ Why then, Sir, give me Leave to tell you, that--make it my Interest, and I'll have serious Thoughts on't too. _2 Wom._ Nay, if you are thereabouts, I desire to come into the Treaty. _3 Play._ And I. _4 Play._ And I. _1 Play._ And I. No separate Peace. None of your _Turin_ Play, I beseech you. _1 Play._ Why then, since you are all so Christianly dispos'd----I think we had best adjourn immediately to our Council-Chamber, choose some potent Prince for Mediator and Guarantee----fix upon the Place of Treaty, dispatch our Plenipo's, and whip up the Peace like an Oyster. For, under the Rose, my Confederates, here is such a damn'd Discount upon our Bills, I'm afraid, if we stand it out another Campaign, we must live upon slender Subsistence. [_Exeunt._ _Enter ~Esop~; and a Country Gentleman, who walks to and fro, looking angrily upon ~Esop~._ _Esop._ Have you any Business with me, Sir? _Gent._--I can't tell whether I have or not. _Esop._ You seem disturb'd, Sir? _Gent._ I'm always so at the Sight of a Courtier. _Esop._ Pray what may it be, that gives you so great an Antipathy to 'em? _Gent._ My Profession. _Esop._ What's that? _Gent._ Honesty. _Esop._ 'Tis an honest Profession. I hope, Sir, for the general Good of Mankind, you are in some public Employment? _Gent._ So I am, Sir----no Thanks to the Court. _Esop._ You are then, I suppose, employ'd by---- _Gent._ My Country.