_Mr. H_. Lord Squandercounsel, who is my particular friend, was pleased to rally me in his inimitable way upon it next day. I shall never forget a sensible thing he said on the occasion--speaking of absence of mind, my foible--says he, my dear Hogs-- _Several Ladies_. Hogs--what--ha-- _Mr. H_. My dear Hogsflesh--my name--(_here a universal scream_)--O my cursed unfortunate tongue! H. I mean--where was I? _1st Lady_. Filthy--abominable! _2nd Lady_. Unutterable! _3rd Lady_. Hogs--foh! _4th Lady_. Disgusting! _5th Lady_. Vile! _6th Lady_. Shocking! _1st Lady_. Odious! _2nd Lady_. Hogs--pah! _3rd Lady_. A smelling-bottle--look to Miss Melesinda. Poor thing! it is no wonder. You had better keep off from her, Mr. Hogsflesh, and not be pressing about her in her circumstances. _1st Gent_. Good time of day to you, Mr.Hogsflesh. _2nd Gent_. The compliments of the season to you, Mr. Hogsflesh. _Mr.H_. This is too much--flesh and blood cannot endure it. _1st Gent_. What flesh?--hog's-flesh? _2nd Gent_. How he sets up his bristles! _Mr. H_. Bristles! 1_st Gent_. He looks as fierce as a hog in armor. _Mr. H_. A hog!--Madam!--(_here he severally accosts the Ladies, who by turns repel him_.) 1_st Lady_. Extremely obliged to you for your attentions; but don't want a partner. 2_d Lady_. Greatly flattered by your preference: but believe I shall remain single. 3_d Lady_. Shall always acknowledge your politeness; but have no thoughts of altering my condition. 4_th Lady_. Always be happy to respect you as a friend; but you must not look for anything further. 5_th Lady_. No doubt of your ability to make any woman happy; but have no thoughts of changing my name. 6_th Lady_. Must tell you, Sir, that if, by your insinuations, you think to prevail with me, you have got the wrong sow by the ear. Does he think any lady would go to pig with him? _Old Lady_. Must beg you to be less particular in your addresses to me. Does he take me for a Jew, to long after forbidden meats? _Mr. H_. I shall go mad!--to be refused by old Mother Damnable--she that's so old, nobody knows whether she was ever manned or no, but passes for a maid by courtesy; her juvenile exploits being beyond the farthest stretch of tradition!--Old Mother Damnable! [_Exeunt all, either pitying or seeming to avoid him._ SCENE.--_The Street_. BELVIL _and another Gentleman_. _Belvil_. Poor Jack, I am really sorry for him. The account which you give me of his mortifying change of reception at the assembly, would be highly diverting if it gave me less pain to hear it. With all his amusing absurdities, and amongst them not the least, a predominant desire to be thought well of by the fair sex, he has an abundant share of good-nature, and is a man of honor. Notwithstanding all that has happened, Melesinda may do worse than take him yet. But did the women resent it so deeply as you say?